LEOPOLD, BERNIE ADVANCE TO STATE TITLE MATCHES

WARRENSBURG -- Leopold and Bernie will both play for Missouri state high school volleyball championships today.

Leopold went 2-0-1 in pool play Friday. The Lady Wildcats (27-4-2) will take on Smithton at 1:30 p.m. today at Central Missouri State University for the Class 1A state championship.

Bernie also had a 2-0-1 pool play record Friday. The Lady Mules (31-4-1) will be going after their fourth consecutive state title when they face Hermann for the Class 2A crown at noon today.

Alicia Halter and Sarah Gowen helped spark Leopold during Friday's four-team pool play competition. Halter, a second-team all-stater last year, had 42 kills against three opponents while Gowen compiled 71 assists.

Leopold split with Smithton, winning 15-6 and losing 8-15, before beating Crest Ridge 15-10, 15-13 and Verona 15-7, 15-12.

Like Leopold, Bernie split with the team it will be facing for the championship as the Lady Mules beat Hermann 15-10 but lost the second game 15-17. Bernie downed Strafford 15-10, 15-9 and Independence St. Mary's 15-6, 15-12.