October 25, 2013 at 4:16 p.m.
Cards claim undisputed second in SRW
"At least you could say we do this season," an elated Maria (Drury) Wineski said after the Highland Cardinals beat Potosi 3-1 Thursday in the SRW wrap-up game.
The win gave the Cardinals an undisputed second place finish behind Lauren (Drury) Runde's Belmont Braves.
Last week it appeared Highland would have to win to give Belmont the undisputed crown but an upset Tuesday changed that as Benton beat Potosi.
That meant Thursday was all about the Cardinals.
Paced by a strong job at the net by Brenna Bomkamp and a stick-to-the-floor defensive effort by libero Caitlyn Wienkes the Cardinals beat the Chieftains in four games.
Scores were 25-17, 25-16, 19-25 and 25-16.
What made the win extra special was that it was on Potosi's home court.
"We must be getting better," Wineski said. "It took us five games to beat them here."
Brenna Bomkamp had nine kills, six blocks and an ace.
"She had an awesome night at the net," Wineski said.
Wienkes scooped up 46 digs for the Cardinals.
"She may have left her impression on the floor," Wineski said.
Janel Laufenberg led in the kills department with 10 and also served up an ace.
The Cardinals had plenty of success throughout the rest of the line-up.
McKenzie Drury and Maddie Bomkamp both had eight kills.
Shanaya Hebgen set up 32 assists and served two aces.
"We also had some strong play in the back row from Bailee Rose and on the weakside by Jessica Kosharek," Wineski said. Rose had 13 digs while Kosharek set up some key blocks.