SPRINGDALE -- In the end, Shiloh Christian's more experienced squad held the edge on Springdale High, but both coaches had plenty to be happy about in the volleyball season opener for both teams Monday.
"We've been pushing hard all summer to try to come out and not be rusty," Lady Saints coach Nathan Bodenstein said. "I don't think we looked rusty at all. Springdale has a heck of a team and they attack well and never give up on a ball. They gave us a great test tonight and we had to play well to pull it out."
Shiloh Christian is the defending 4A state runner-up and has high hopes to go back and win that title with a talented group of seniors that includes outside hitter Reagan Robinson, who is committed to Arkansas. Robinson had 18 kills and 14 digs and the other outside hitter, Morgan Stoecklein had 12 kills and 13 digs. Libero Celestene Sebag had 27 digs in the Lady Saints' 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24 win.
"Those three are our all-state players and they are the ones we look to when we need a play," Bodenstein said. "They are made some tonight."
Springdale senior Desiree Mack put on a huge performance with 25 kills and 23 digs.
"She is a stud," Springdale coach Kylie Moad said. "We go to her a lot and they were blocking her a lot, but she competes and she can attack from the back row. There a bunch of Division I schools looking at her right now and someone is going to get a good one."
Sara Beth Coleman had eight blocks for Springdale and Elaina Pack had 25 digs.
Springdale rallied from down 2-0 in the match to take the third game 25-23. The fourth set was tied 24-24 before Robinson and Stoecklein both put down kills to put the match in the Saints' column.
"We competed hard and we're disappointed because we wanted to win," Moad said. "But I am very happy with this effort and how they played tonight. We have three sophomores starting. I saw a lot of great things tonight, I especially like the way we battled back after we were down. They showed a lot of fight."
Sports on 08/25/2015