By Tyler Thompson (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
MARSHFIELD, Mo. — The Webb City Cardinals traveled to Marshfield on Saturday with the opportunity to advance to the program’s second final four.
The Cardinals only had to defeat the host Blue Jays, who entered the tilt 28-9-2.
The opportunity came knocking and Webb City (25-10) answered the call as the Cardinals defeated Marshfield in the sweep: 27-25, 25-19, 25-23.
The first two sets were controlled by the Cardinals, but the third was a far different narrative, as the Jays, digging deep, refused to relent, leading 22-18.
“It is really hard because you know everybody wants it so badly,” Webb City’s 6’1” junior Adalyn Maxwell said.
One variable that proved crucial was the play of Avery Pogue, who delivered five consecutive serves, which the Cardinals — most notably Kaelyn Maxwell (one kill), Jaylee Van Becelaere (kill) and senior Savannah Crane (two kills) — turned into set-saving points.
The Cardinals were within sight of a dream realized, suddenly up 23-22, before the deciding point.
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE MATCH
[Adalyn] Maxwell drilled the kill for the match’s deciding point and could be seen spending most of her time above the net throughout the duration.
“You really have to push to get those extra points,” Maxwell said. “It is really exciting for me because I have never been a part of something that has made it this far. I have always heard about and have always wanted to come this far. Coach is always telling us to swing as hard as we can, even if we are down. We cannot start to second guess ourselves, even if it goes out.”
Prior to Maxwell’s kill, head coach Rhonda Lawrence called a timeout, up 24-23.
“I just said, ‘Guys, we are this close to making it, we begged for it, we worked for it,’” Lawrence said. “Just leaning upon each other. Iron sharpens iron.”
Adversity is not untraveled territory, as that has been a theme throughout the season.
“We both are evenly matched,” Lawrence said. “They really stepped up. I couldn’t be prouder of my kids. All season long, we have had adversity to face, and they have just grown and grown. They never stopped trying to get better.”
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO OF THE MATCH
Balance was crucial in the win, as senior middle hitter Marlee Harper helped sustain momentum.
In short, the attack can come from anywhere.
“It is amazing. I always know that if I am not doing my best, it is ok, someone else will step up,” Maxwell said.
The Cardinals now prepare for the defending state champion St. Pius X (Festus) that authored a 25-5 record.
The two square off Nov. 5 at 4 p.m. at Civic Arena in St. Joseph for the Class 4 semifinals.
The Cardinals are 12-7 on neutral courts this season.
