Leopold coach laments missed chances in volleyball sectional

LAURA SIMON~photos@semissourian.com ABOVE: Leopold senior Kelli Woodfin reacts after her team lost to Lesterville in Saturday's Class 1 sectional match in Bell City, Mo. BELOW: Leopold players dive for a ball during their sectional match. [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

BELL CITY, Mo. -- Leopold volleyball coach Sandy Davis didn't want to detract from the play of a strong Lesterville team.

But Davis thought her squad failed to perform up to its ability.

The result was a tight three-game Class 1 sectional loss Saturday at Bell City High School.

Lesterville ended Leopold's season with a 22-25, 25-20, 25-22 victory.

"I'm not taking anything away from Lesterville. They're a good team," Davis said. "But I don't think we played to our ability. At times we did, but ...

Leopold teammates both dive for the ball in their game against Lesterville during Saturday's sectional volleyball tournament in Bell City. (LAURA SIMON) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

"I don't know. We prepared all week. At times they were playing, at other times ... I don't know how to explain it. I think they wanted it so much."

Lesterville, which went on to win its quarterfinal match later in the day to advance to the final four, seemed to have Leopold on its heels in all three games.

The Wildcats managed to rally in the first game, scoring the final five points to prevail 25-22.

Lesterville posted a fairly comfortable 25-20 second-game win, then used a late 6-0 run to take control of the deciding game.

That six-point burst by the Bearcats put them ahead 21-17 and they closed things out 25-22.

Leopold's Abby Landewee jumps for the block against Lesterville during their Class 1 sectional match Saturday in Bell City, Mo. [Click to enlarge]

Junior Abby Landewee led the Wildcats with 14 kills, seven digs and three blocks.

Standout senior hitter Kirsten Thele added eight kills and two aces.

Senior setter Lauren Seiler recorded 27 assists and seven digs.

Thele played despite suffering a right hand injury during the district championship match.

"She didn't practice at all until a little Friday," Davis said. "It had an effect on her. When you hurt your hand, it's always going to throw you off."

Despite the loss that Davis termed "very disappointing," she emphasized that she was not disappointed in Leopold's season.

The perennial state power Wildcats finished another banner year at 25-4. They were ranked second in the most recent Class 1 poll.

"That's what I told the girls, this loss hurts, but we had a great season. We accomplished so many things," Davis said. "It's a good group of girls. They work hard.

"And we had a good group of seniors. We'll miss them."