Lady Pintos defeat Lady Eagles

California junior Kamryn Koetting executes a kill during the first set of the varsity match against Tipton Monday at California High School. The Lady Pintos defeated the Lady Cardinals 25-11, 25-12.
California junior Kamryn Koetting executes a kill during the first set of the varsity match against Tipton Monday at California High School. The Lady Pintos defeated the Lady Cardinals 25-11, 25-12.

The California High School volleyball teams were on the road Tuesday, Sept. 1, for matches at Ashland, where the varsity Lady Pintos defeated the Southern Boone Lady Eagles 25-20 and 25-10.

Sydney Deeken led California with 16 kills, eight digs and three blocks. Caitlin Meyer had 10 digs and three kills. Madilyn Safley had 12 assists and Abby Lueckenotte had seven assists and one ace. Paige Halsey had three kills and one block, and Morgan Henley had four digs.

"Morgan's serving was key in both of our wins over Southern Boone," California Coach Julie Bailey said.

Henley had 21 good serves, and Lueckenotte had nine.

California's JVA also defeated Southern Boone, 25-20 and 25-17.

California's varsity participated in the Warrensburg Tournament Saturday, where the Lady Pintos finished in second place after losing the championship match to Pleasant Hill.

California's Deeken and Lueckenotte were named to the All-Tournament team.

"Three of our seniors, Abby, Sydney and Caitlin, were excellent leaders and great players who helped us to second place," Bailey said. "Freshman Kayla Allison's serving and defense was also instrumental in helping us win games in the tournament."

California defeated Holden 25-18 and 25-20 in the first round of pool play, then tied with Santa Fe, 25-19 and 24-16, and defeated Warrensburg 25-15 and 27-25. The Lady Pintos then advanced to bracket play, where they defeated Boonville 25-20 and 25-15 to advance to the championship game. California lost 10-25 and 14-25 to Pleasant Hill to finish the tourney in second place.

Deeken had 53 kills, 32 digs, 10 blocks and six aces in tourney play. Meyer had 23 kills and 36 digs and Halsey ghad 16 kills and 10 blocks. Lueckenotte had 52 assists, 30 digs and two aces, Safley had 36 assists, Allison had 30 digs and eight aces, and Henley had three aces.

The Lady Pintos hosted Tipton Monday night, where California's varsity defeated the Lady Cardinals 25-11 and 25-12.

"Our varsity played well," Bailey said. "Sydney was a force at the net, and Caitlin had some powerful back row attacks. She and Morgan Henley had great defense. Abby Strickfaden's sets were perfect."

Deeken had 13 kills, four aces and one block. Meyer had nine digs and four kills. Lueckenotte had 15 assists and four aces. Henley had eight digs and Safley had seven assists and two aces. Halsey and Ashtyn Goans chipped in with three kills each.

California's JVA also defeated Tipton, 25-2 and 25-9, while the JVB won 25-4 and 25-4.

The Lady Pintos will play at Russellville Thursday, beginning with the JV match at 6 p.m.