ND spikers to play for third place

WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- Notre Dame High School's best-ever season in volleyball will not end with a state championship, but the Lady Bulldogs can still finish their exceptional year with a victory.

The Lady Bulldogs, competing in the Class 2A Final Four Friday, won just one of their six games during round-robin competition. That means Notre Dame (27-10-2) will play Fair Grove (28-3-5) at 9 a.m. today for third place.

In Friday's action, Notre Dame was swept by both defending state champion Hermann (15-1, 15-0) and Kansas City St. Pius X (15-6, 15-0). The Lady Bulldogs split with Fair Grove (15-13, 11-15).

Against Fair Grove, Jennifer VanGennip and Erin Pfau both had eight kills while Courtney Vickery added seven and Deana McCormick contributed six. Pfau came up with 10 digs while Ali Tyson had 25 assists and eight digs.

McCormick had four kills against St. Pius X while no Lady Bulldog had more than one kill against Hermann.

Hermann and St. Pius X will square off at noon today for the title.