The Melcher-Dallas Volleyball Squad sent away a few demons in more ways than one Thursday night as the Saints won the Bluegrass Conference Volleyball Championship by defeating Murray in the semi-final 25-19 and 27-25, then defeating Lamoni 3-1 25-19 25-22, 20-25, and 25-11. The Saints were dominant except for game three in the championship match, and used timely hitting from Kenzie Smith and Grace Overgaard. Coach Jesyka Nolte told KNIA Sports her team was wanting to complete the title run that ended early last season.

Nolte:
Really wanted it for them last year, and we got the jitters and we were out, and we were hoping we could take Lamoni, I just worry about my girls and they always come through for me.”

Senior player Kynser Reed said it was a long time coming after struggling for the last three years.

Reed:
“Last four years, we’ve struggled in the conference tournament. Last year we lost in the first round and that was a huge loss for us, and coming back and beatting Murray who knocked us out last year.”

In that title match Overgaard pounded down 19 kills with Reed adding another 14, plus the Saints defense was bolstered by ten team blocks. The Saints are now 22-2 on the season and will host Wayne on Monday in a first round class 1A regional. Meanwhile, Melcher-Dallas Cross Country Runner J’Lyn Knutson finished second in a time of 21:10 at the Mount Ayr Invitational on Thursday. This was a big race for the senior as it will be the same course she will run on next Thursday in the class 1A state qualifier.