State Volleyball – Lady Bulldogs Shutout By Sioux Falls Christian

The Milbank Area Lady Bulldogs suffered a 3-0 loss to number two seeded Sioux Falls Christian in the consolation semi-finals of the State Class A high school volleyball tournament Friday, November 18.

After the heartbreaking loss Thursday, the Lady Bulldogs were unable to pull together and collect a win to a tough Sioux Falls Christian team. Milbank Area trailed early in the first set at 14-8 before going on a three-point run to cut the deficit to 14-11. The Chargers then went on a seven point run of their own to go ahead 21-11, and the locals could not overcome the deficit.

Milbank Area started out flat in the second set and trailed 11-1. The Lady Bulldogs kept their chins up, but were unable to get any closer and fell 25-8.
The locals came to life more in the third set and held an early 4-1 advantage. That run was short lived, and Sioux Falls Christian came roaring back to overtake the lead at 13-5. A late run by the Chargers gave them the 25-16 set win and the 3-0 match victory.

Caryssa Mielitz led the Lady Bulldogs with four kills on 26-28 hitting, one ace on 7-7 serving, one assist and three digs. Molly Rick followed closely with four kills on 20-21 hitting, 3-4 serving, one assist on 4-4 setting and seven digs. Mikaela Hoeke added four kills on 13-14 hitting, 13 assists on 41-41 setting, 5-5 serving and seven digs while Mackayla Schuelke had one assist on 20-20 setting, one ace on 6-7 serving, one kill and six digs.

Others contributing to the totals for Milbank Area were Jaecy Engebretson, two kills on 8-8 hitting, one ace on 5-5 serving, 2-2 setting, four digs and one block; Gabbi Cummins, one kill on 3-4 hitting and one assist on 2-2 setting; Jaden Hoeke, one kill on 2-4 hitting, 6-6 setting and two digs; Madi Schulte, one assist on 6-6 setting, 2-3 serving and five digs; Maty Lightfield, 4-4 serving, 2-2 setting and four digs, and Mady Hilbrands, one kill on 2-2 hitting.

Milbank Area will face Mobridge-Pollock in the seventh place match Saturday, November 19, at noon.