By Amanda Smallwood
UCA sportswriting
After a great season, the St. Joseph Lady Bulldogs lost to Mansfield, 25-17, 25-11, 21-25, 25-21, in the Class 3A state championship match at the Arkansas State University’s Convocation Center.
“The girls were very disappointed,” St. Joseph coach Luke Davis said. “We had a great year but now we have the experience of finals so we have some things to work on for next season.”
This match marked the first defeat of the season for the Lady Bulldogs, who finished 23-1, and also the first time for the Lady Bulldogs to reach the state finals.
“At times we would look really hard to beat,” Davis said, "while other times we would make some mistakes we usually don't make.”
After losing the first two games, the Lady Bulldogs came back to win the third game. This was similar to the Harrisburg match in the quarterfinals, which St. Joe won in five games.
“The team was nervous and did not play,” Davis said. “Mansfield is a real good team but I felt like we gave them the first two games before deciding to play.”
Junior Jessica Justice delivered 31 assisst while junior Amy Schichtl finished with 20 kills. Junior Jordan Justice had 20 digs and sophomore Tori Carter had seven digs. Both senior Veronica Bausom and sophomore Courtney Brigger achieved five kills. Bausom also accomplished two aces.
Davis said the Justice sisters and Schichtl gave the team a chance with the win in the third game.
Junior Katie Halter, Bausom and Briggler were named to the all-state tournament team.
Davis said, after playing Mansfield, he hoped the girls learned that they have to be able to move quicker on defense and be stronger blockers.
After lasting this far in the state tournament, the Lady Bulldogs not only accomplished team goals but also matured as a team.
“I'm proud of the girls overall," Davis said. "Until the finals we found ways to fight through the mistakes and found ways to win. The match against Harrisburg in the quarterfinals made the girls grow up the most as a team. They realized no matter how far you are down, playing together could bring you back. We made school history; so I am very proud.”
After being in the state title match, the Lady Bulldogs have a lot of work for next season.
“My seniors next year will have been to the state tournament all three years and have now been to the finals,” Davis said. “There should be no excuses for nerves if we can make it back next year. So consistency is the biggest thing we will work on for next year.”
The Lady Bulldogs will be losing two seniors, captain Veronica Bausom and co-captain Katie Reinhard.
St. Joseph also won the 3A-Central conference title and district tournament.
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