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Rockets swept by Stars in state quarterfinals [UPDATED]
Published 5:03pm Thursday, November 8, 2012 Updated 7:58am Friday, November 9, 2012ST. PAUL – The Underwood volleyball team could not find an answer for Southwest Christian in the quarterfinals of the Class A state tournament Thursday as the Stars swept the Rockets (25-20, 25-11, 25-17).
The Rockets jumped out to an early four point lead in the first set, but saw Stars storm back. With volleys back and forth, Southwest Christian was able to keep Underwood out of sync as they took a commanding lead. The Rockets were able to rally late in the set, but the Stars were able to close it to take the early lead.
Unforced errors by the Rockets allowed Southwest Christian to ride their momentum from the first set breezing to a 25-11 win. The Rockets aggressive offensive attack struggled to find open ground in the match as Star players would dive for a dig keeping the ball in play.
In the third and decisive set, the Stars were able to hold off a charging Rocket team with a 25-17 win to take the match.
The Rockets Brianna Fitzgibbons had 28 assists and 14 digs, while teammate Tara Skauge chipped in 14 digs of her own. Carly Masloski led Underwood’s offensive attack with 14 kills.
The Section 4A champion Stars were led on offense by Mackenzie Horkey with 22 kills, while teammate Abby Vandergalien had 14.
The Rockets committed 16 errors in the match, but only committed two service errors, compared to five by the Stars.
Southwest Christian will move on to play Minneota, a three set winner over North Wood, in the semi-final round at 3 p.m. Friday, while the Rockets will now play in the consolation bracket Friday at 3 p.m. against the North Wood Grizzlies.
