California ends season with district loss to Blair Oaks

California High School senior Sydney Deeken was recently named the Tri-County Conference MVP.
California High School senior Sydney Deeken was recently named the Tri-County Conference MVP.

After defeating Russellville in the opening match of the Class 2 District 7 Volleyball Tournament Oct. 28 at Fatima High School, Westphalia, the #3 seeded Lady Pintos faced #2 seeded Blair Oaks in the semifinal round Oct. 29, where California lost a hard-fought match to the Lady Falcons, 25-27 and 22-25, to end the season.

"The girls played well against Blair Oaks, but it didn't fall our way," California Coach Julie Bailey said. "I'm proud of the girls' improvement. Our seniors were great leaders and will be missed. We may not have won districts, but we had 21 wins."

Sydney Deeken led California with 11 kills, nine digs, three blocks and two aces. Caitlin Meyer had seven digs, three kills and one block. Abby Lueckenotte had six assists and four digs. Madilyn Safley had nine assists and three digs, and Kayla Allison had 11 digs.

The Lady Pintos end the season 21-9-2.

Deeken, Meyer and Lueckenotte were named to the All-District teams; Deeken to the first, and Meyer and Lueckenotte to the second team.

Blair Oaks went on to lose the district championship to top-seeded Fatima Oct. 29.