Last week, the Dexter volleyball team ended the regular season with a win. This week, the Dreadnaughts began the playoffs with a win. Are you noticing a trend?
Dexter clinched sole possession of second place in the talented SEC Red Division last week with an impressive 28-26, 25-11, 27-25 sweep of Bedford in a makeup game. State-ranked Skyline finished first.
It was a tremendous accomplishment for a Dexter team that had moved into a tougher division this year and had to replace some talented seniors.
“After meeting Bedford on Saturday in a tournament, we made a game plan and worked it,” said Dexter Coach Paula Palmer Burns. “We focused on finishing and did a good job.”
Anna Creech led the offense with 13 kills and 3 service aces contributing to defense with 16 digs, 3 blocks, and a 2.43 serve receive average. Jamie Giese came up big with 23 digs, 7 kills, and a 2.17 serve receive. Avery Goodrich had a team leading 2.60 service receive average and also contributed 14 digs and 4 kills.
Hanna Quinn dominated in the middle with 9 kills. Braedy Wineman ran the offense with 40 assists and team leading 4 service aces. Veronica Sannino led the defense with 27 digs and contributed a 2.11 serve receive. Savannah Smith contributed 2.17 in service receive to initiate the offense.
Dexter opened Districts on Tuesday night with a convincing 25-6, 25-9, 26-24 sweep of Jackson.
“We were glad to control the match and allow all of our players to get comfortable with a little postseason play,” Palmer Burns said. “We look forward to working on Thursday’s game plan. We are grateful to still be together as a team and have another opportunity.”
The Dreadnaughts will play in the semifinals at Skyline HS against Parma Western at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. Skyline plays Pioneer in the other semifinal game. The finals are at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Skyline.
Dexter stat leaders:
Hanna Quinn, Senior, Middle Hitter: 5 Service Aces, 6 Kills, 3 Blocks
Savannah Smith, Junior, Pin Hitter: 7 Kills and 12 Digs
Avery Goodrich, Senior, Pin Hitter: 10 Kills and 8 Digs
Jamie Giese, Senior, Pin Hitter: 8 Kills and 7 Digs
Junior Braedy Wineman and sophomore Lana Burns ran the offense with 25 and 9 assists, respectively.
Junior Emily Schultz (libero), contributed a 2.20 Serve Receive Average and 12 digs.
