South Tama setter and Birthday girl, Katie Campbell (13) sets for her team on Tuesday, September 25 at the STC?Round House. The Trojans hosted Independence and fell in three sets. News Herald Photo/Allison Graham

By Allison Graham

Sports Editor

agraham@tamatoledonews,com

On Tuesday, September 25 the STC Trojans came up against Class 4A 4th ranked Independence (22-2) and the Mustangs showed why they are ranked where they are. Independence’s performance was dominant to say the least. They topped STC in three quick sets 25-10, 25-5 and 25-13.

The Mustangs are led by senior Madison Larson who is sitting fourth in Class 4A with her stat line. She has racked up 259 of 506 kill attempts for a 0.387 average and is 168 of 201 serves for a 0.836 average. Larson is a good volleyball player and Independence’s go to girl. The Winona State recruit averages 4.25 kills per set. Her 6’1 height certainly adds to her advantage on the court.

Rick Rohach (white sweatshirt) and Alicia Rohach (gray shirt), parents of Madison Rohach at Parent Appreciation night on Tuesday, September 25. News?Herald Photo/Allison Graham

In set one the Trojans hung with Independence for about nine points. Then Allie Jo Zieser began to serve. Zieser served for 12 straight points taking Independence to a 24-9 lead. Katie Campbell served once before Independence scored their set winning point.

The night just went south from there for the Trojans. The Mustangs won set two 25-5 and set three 25-13. Mackenzie Hupke served nine aces.

“Fresh off of a second place finish in our home tournament, tonight’s game was not the outcome we were expecting. The team had prepped for a tough match against a ranked opponent who was also returning most of their team that qualified for state last year. Independence servers brought their A game and we struggled against their jump top spins. When we struggle to get a 3 point or even a 2 point pass off of a serve it’s really tough to run a dynamic offense and score points. We allowed too many runs against their top servers and made too many errors trying to score a point. It was definitely an off night for everyone mentally and we couldn’t overcome our performance gaps. We’ll shake this one off, learn from our mistakes and be ready to bounce back this weekend at the Charles City tournament and with our last conference game during homecoming week against Vinton. I’m confident our players will be confident, focused and do what it takes to be ready for their best performances as we move into the last quarter of our season,” said Amy Dolash.

Despite the loss, the Trojans celebrated Parent Appreciation night prior to the start of play. Each girl had flowers for their families. It also happened to be senior setter, Katie Campbell’s birthday. The STC student section sang happy birthday to her as she took the court to serve in the opening set.

Parents and fans gather to watch the STC?Trojans play on Tuesday, September 25. Julie Berger (gray jacket) is the mom of Jaelin Berger (STC volleyball player.

At each home game the STC volleyball team tosses balls to fans during the lineup introductions. Pictured is STC?student Keith Keahna tipping the ball to the center of the student section. The STC student section has been cheering loud and proud at volleyball games this season. News Herald Photo/Allison Graham