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Sikeston eighth graders win Bluff volleyball tournament
POPLAR BLUFF -- The Sikeston 8th grade volleyball team won the championship of the 10-team Poplar Bluff 8th Grade Invitational Volleyball Tournament on Saturday.
After taking second place in pool play, the Lady Bulldogs played back to the final match where they defeated Gideon in straight games, 15-8, 15-11.
"The girls played well for most of the day," said Sikeston coach Steve Beydler. "I was very pleased with their determination to take their game to a high level during this long, tough, tournament. Each player contributed on the way to this championship. It was a tiring but fun day."
Sikeston opened the tournament in pool play. They split with Gideon 15-13, 12-15, defeated New Madrid County 15-9, 15-2, beat Doniphan Gold 15-7, 15-5, then defeated Poplar Bluff White 15-5, 15-10.
In the semifinal match against Poplar Bluff Maroon, Sikeston won in three sets, 15-11, 10-15, 15-8. In the championship, the Lady Bulldogs defeated Gideon 15-8, 15-11.
On Tuesday night, the Sikeston 7th and 8th grade volleyball teams defeated the Bloomfield 7th and 8th grade volleyball teams in straight games.
First on the court, the 7th grade team won 15-7, 15-4. The 8th grade team won their match 15-8, 15-6.
"Bloomfield plays a very good game," said Beydler. "They play deliberate, three-hit volleyball. This is the same style of play we preach to our kids. Many teams at this level play one-hit ball -- knocking it back at you immediately. I applaud the Bloomfield coaches and players. My players performed fairly well tonight but we still have momentary lapses. And against a tough competitor like Bloomfield, these lapses could be dangerous. I'm pleased overall with both the 7th and 8th grade teams. Our play is improving with each match."
Sikeston will be back in action on Thursday, hosting Cape Central in the middle school gym.