Saxony Lutheran falls in quarterfinals

The Saxony Lutheran Crusaders fell in the Class 3 State quarterfinals 3-1 at the hands of the Ursuline Academy Bears.

The Crusaders won the first set 25-21 before losing the next three sets by scores of 25-22, 25-21 and 25-22.

Both teams played a dynamic game at the net, with both teams racking up blocks.

“There were a lot of blocks to be had today,” Crusaders coach Stephanie Brown said. “I know Paige (Seibel) had like three blocks right in a row. I thought they would start tipping because they couldn’t get around our block but they kept swinging and we kept defending.”

The loss to Ursuline Academy was the last match in the successful career of eight seniors for the Crusaders.

The senior class includes, Annie Adams, Clara Brune, Leah Fritsche, Landre Hoehne, Callie King, Grace Ozark, Paige Seibel and Katie Swain.

“They’re just so much fun to be around,” Brown said. “They work hard, they care for their teammates, and they’re very respectful girls. I’m the one that’s blessed to be able to be around these girls.”

Brown said the underclassmen really look up to this year’s senior class.

“They’re a great group of leaders,” Brown said. “They should be super proud. We got bumped up a class and still won districts, sectionals and beating two very good teams in Notre Dame and Valle Catholic to get here. It sucks that we lost and I hate that for the girls but they battled and I’m super proud.”

Getting to host a state quarterfinal game is something that Brown says is special for the program.

“The crowd really helped us stay in some of the sets,” Brown said. “When the girls were down a little bit the stronghold was there to bring them back up. We were very fortunate to be able to host.”

The Crusaders finish the 2023 season with a record of 25-8-2 and will look to replace the eight aforementioned seniors.