Dexter wins fourth straight with Sikeston sweep

SIKESTON — Despite a less-than-perfect showing, the Dexter volleyball team powered through to defeat Sikeston 3-0 at the Sikeston Junior High School on Wednesday, September 20.

The Lady Bearcats (8-7-0) claimed victory over the Lady Bulldogs (4-10-2) in a hard-fought match, winning with set scores of 25-19, 25-17 and 25-17.

The triumphant result marks Dexter’s third sweep in the four matches.

Sikeston's Baylee Copeland (24) serves�during a 3-0 loss to Dexter at the Sikeston Junior High School on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“We had a slow start and it definitely wasn’t our best performance, but we got our positioning down and got it done,” said junior Kate Nichols. “We’re a lot more positive when we’re passing, setting and hitting well. We need to build off that and it will help us in the long run.”

Sikeston struggled to contain the relentless power-hitting displayed by Dexter.

Dexter's Katelynn Owens (3) serves�during a 3-0 over Sikeston at the Sikeston Junior High School on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“I was proud of Kate Nichols, for staying strong on the front and constantly getting those strong approaches in for a lot of kills,” said Dexter coach Haylee Orf. “Our block timing continues to get better and better. There were a lot of good things, but it wasn’t our best ball. So we get back to work tomorrow.”

According to Orf, the Lady Bearcats faced some challenges during the match.

“We were a little tired and were a little out of control at times. I know they could have played and presented themselves a lot better,” she said.

Sikeston's Brionna Williams (2) goes for a kill�during a 3-0 loss to Dexter at the Sikeston Junior High School on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

However, despite the setbacks, the team remains focused on improving.

“We’re continuing to see the good, but we’re also focused on doing the little details the right way and getting back to work,” Orf said. “Things are getting better communicate-wise, and the team is determined to maintain a positive mindset and prevent errors from snowballing.”

Dexter's Brooke Lasater (5) digs�during a 3-0 over Sikeston at the Sikeston Junior High School on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Orf acknowledged that it’s a process but expressed satisfaction with the progress being made.

This year, Dexter is dealing with some mismatches due to a lack of height, which poses challenges in tougher games.

“As long as I’ve been in Dexter, we haven’t had to break down the details like we are this year to have a chance to beat these teams with a strong front row,” Orf said. “But overall we’re happy to get the win. We’re moving forward and excited for the rest of the season.”

Sikeston's Ruby Osborn (25) tries for a block�during a 3-0 loss to Dexter at the Sikeston Junior High School on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Senior libero Brooke Lasaster also showcased her exceptional skills and was another standout player for the Lady Bearcats.

“Brooke Lasater was been a constant stronghold for us,” Orf said. “She’s grown into that leadership role. We consistently get great digs from her every night. I’m proud of her for continuing to look at the little details and get better at reading.”

“I’m also continuing to see progress in my other two defensive players, Katelynn Owens and Shelby Driskill,” she continued. “They’re starting to be more dependable with their digs, reading the right angles and not getting trapped behind blocks.”

Sikeston's Dani Martinez (18) tries for a spike�during a 3-0 loss to Dexter at the Sikeston Junior High School on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

In key moments of the match, Dexter displayed great technical proficiency, executing plays with surgical precision, showing the team’s unrivaled command of volleyball fundamentals.

“I really liked how we ran our plays tonight,” Lasater said. “Once we did that we got our momentum going and our serve-receive was good tonight. If we keep practicing and improving we’ll start building more momentum and keep winning.”

Sikeston’s recent form has taken a nosedive, winning just one set in its past four matches after a strong run of winning four out of five matches last week.

Sikeston's Aubreigh Landers (23) goes for a kill�during a 3-0 loss to Dexter at the Sikeston Junior High School on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.�Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“Overall I am proud of girls for coming out here and competing,” said Sikeston coach Marc Jannin. “Kennedy Watson was all over the place. Heidi Self had some really good saves and showed a lot of effort out there tonight.

“Dexter is a good team and they don’t have many weaknesses,” he concluded. “ But we did well, communicating a lot better tonight and adjusting well to some of the tips they were trying to do. I’m glad our girl executed the game plan we had.”

Sikeston travels to Scott City (5-5-2) on Thursday, September 21, and to Portageville (17-2-2) on Monday, September 25.

Dexter will host Bell City (8-6-1) on Thursday, September 21, and play at Bloomfield (5-7-2) on Monday, September 25.

Both teams will compete in the SEMO Conference Tournament, beginning Wednesday, September 27.