By Alan Van Ormer
Tribune editor

The season ended for the Dell Rapids St. Mary volleyball team on the first night of district playoffs in Colman.
Lake Preston pulled out a five-set thriller, 24-26, 25-17, 25-20, 19-25 and 15-7 to advance to the next round against Colman-Egan. Colman-Egan defeated Lake Preston that same evening.
“It was a little disappointing because we beat them earlier in the season,” Coach Tracy Herber said. “Both teams did well serving. Our defense picked up a lot of balls. We were not as consistent at hitting as Lake Preston was.”
Dell Rapids St. Mary rallied after falling behind early in the first game to pull out the victory. In the second set, Herber said the team didn’t communicate well.
“The last game there was a big momentum switch and Lake Preston was able to win the match,” she said. “It was an exciting match. It is always disappointing to end the season. When you go to five games, you hope you are the one that comes out on top. It is sad to see the seniors end their season.”
Mariah Mergen finished her volleyball career with two ace serves, 30 digs, nine kills and three assists, while Robyn Everist ended her last volleyball match as a Cardinal with three ace serves, 28 digs and one kill.
Danielle Kubly contributed five ace serves, 17 digs, three kills and 17 assists, Chelsey Brown had one ace serve, 25 digs, two blocks, 12 kills and three assists, while Whitney Michel finished with one ace serve, nine digs, two blocks, four kills and 16 set assists.