FARMINGTON OVERPOWERS M. HEIGHTS TO REPEAT AS SEMO CLASSIC CHAMPS

From a field of 35 teams, one rose to the top of the heap and reigned as champion.

Farmington was that team as they defeated Meadow Heights in the Gold Division finals of the SEMO Specialties & Sports Volleyball Classic at the Show Me Center on Saturday.

In the 13th year of this tournament, which features an impressive field of teams from Southeast Missouri, the St. Louis area and outstate Missouri, Farmington defended the title it won in '99. Overall, Farmington has claimed the title three times, also winning in '90, and has received the runner-up trophy three times.

The road to the finals saw Farmington extended to three sets in the semis by Rosati-Kain (St. Louis), last year's runner-up, by scores of 15-7, 10-15 and 15-12.

The other semifinal pitted two local teams as Jackson fell to Meadow Heights in straight sets by scores of 15-11 and 15-10.

That set up the David versus Goliath final between tiny Meadow Heights, a Class 1A school, and Farmington, a Class 4A powerhouse.

The Knightettes of Farmington jumped to an early 9-0 lead over the Lady Panthers in the first game and never let up. They put on a dominating, overpowering display as they rocked Meadow Heights by a 15-2 score.

Seemingly unintimidated, the Lady Panthers came back and battled Farmington to a 9-9 tie in the second game. Then the Knightettes reeled off four straight points to move ahead 13-9 before capturing the game and match by a 15-11 score.

"We are very proud to win this tournament two years in a row," said Farmington coach Carma Franklin. "I'm especially happy for our seniors who are real leaders on this team and it's really nice to get it for them."

Farmington was led by senior Lisa Boyd who has verbally committed to the University of Missouri to continue her career. The 6-foot-2 Boyd had nine kills, five blocks and two service points in the final.

Teammates Katie Roark chipped in with eight kills and twin sister Kelly added 16 assists. Holly Moran scored nine service winners.

Meadow Heights coach Erin Hoffman, obviously extremely proud of her team's performance throughout the tournament, praised her squad.

"This is the most talent I've seen on any team I've ever coached," said Hoffman. "They bring lots of excitement and life to the game."

Speaking of their finals opponent Farmington, Hoffman said, "They were very fundamentally sound, which is what we're working on. We'll get there."

Actually there were two finals in the tournament as the consolation bracket (Silver Division) also crowned a winner. Clearwater defeated Advance in straight sets 15-5, 15-9.