Bob Foos
The Webb City Cardinals won three sets but settled for an unsatisfying fourth-place trophy during their appearance last week in the state championships at St. Joseph’s Civic Arena.
The Class 4 final four began Wednesday with Webb City’s 3-1 loss to St. Pius X (Festus). After losing the first two sets, the Cardinals rallied to win the third set. Their attempt to tie the match, however, failed.
St. Pius X, which finished second to St Michael the Archangel, won by set scores of 25-20, 25-14, 18-25 and 25-23.
On Thursday night, Webb City returned to the arena for the third-place match against Hannibal.
The Cardinals dominated the first two sets 25-19, 25-16, and they had a chance for the shutout before being edged out 25-22 in the third set.
Hannibal grabbed the momentum, claiming the fourth set 25-19 and then the deciding fifth 15-12.
Coach Rhonda Lawrence said she sensed a loss of intensity after the first two wins that Hannibal took advantage of.
Putting it all in perspective, though, she acknowledged “it’s just an honor to be here. We appreciate all of the support” from the girls families and community.
“We played a heck of a match” the first night and for two sets the second night. “We showed them we deserve to be here.”
After adding to the history of Webb City volleyball by being in the final for for the second time, Lawrence said, “Now it’s time for the young ones to pick up the baton and start planning.
“The thing we’ve got to do is make sure we get back here.”
Zachary Dobbs video