Marshall advances with win over Pointers

Marshall brought their “A” game with them to Mineral Point Thursday and denied the Pointers the Division 3 Sectional finals.

The visiting Cardinals completed their run in three sets, edging the Pointers 25-21, 25-20 and 25-13.

It was a night of frustration for the Pointers against a lower seed.  Pointer coach Kari Kabat had this to say about the season ending battle.

“Every team except one loses their last game of the season.  But, this one was just a little tougher to take, as we just could not get into a rhythm and play our game,” the coach said.  “If we had played well and lost, that is one thing. But when we just struggled all around like we did, that one is going to sting longer than necessary.  You can tell from our numbers compared to every other match this season, that we just under performed.”

Kabat said it wasn’t a lack of respect for the Cardinals that caused the Pointers problems. 

“I don't think we overlooked Marshall,”Kabat said. “They are a very strong team at all positions and they just put together a better all around performance.”

The loss does not dim the fact the Pointers had a remarkable season.

“I am still tremendously proud of our girls and the complete season they put together,” said Kabat. “This was the best single season record in school history. Even though we didn't make our goal of making it back to State, the growth this team showed this year from beginning to end of season was truly remarkable and something they should be proud of.”  

“This team was special and I hope they will carry fond memories of this season with them forever,” Kabat added.  “Our seniors - Maddy Kabat, Macy Kinch and Addie Burris - are going to be missed tremendously.  They all bring something unique to the team and all three lead in different ways. Maddy is a strong-willed and competitive leader, and will go down as one of the best athletes to come out of Mineral Point. Macy is the connection builder, and keeps the team connected. Addie is the level headed one and team cheerleader. They all have given so much to this program and it is hard to know we won't have them back next year.”

Pointer Stat Leaders:

Kills - Maddy Kabat 9, Brynn Swenson 7

Assists - Sadie Miller 10, Sophie Miller 6

Aces - Maddy Kabat 2

Blocks - Kinlee Prust 7, Brynn Swenson & Maddy Kabat 4

Digs - Ava Ingwell 12, Maddy Kabat and Brynn Swenson 7