Scott City powers past Central for win No. 23

Both Scott City coach Laura Ort and Central coach Maile Gannon were satisfied with Tuesday's high school volleyball match at Scott City.

Ort had reason to be happier as her Rams posted a 25-14, 25-21 victory that helped them clinch the SEMO Conference championship with an unbeaten run through the six-team circuit.

Scott City (23-9) bounced back from a Monday night loss to Puxico, the only team seeded ahead of it in the Class 2 District 2 tournament at Bloomfield, and used some different weapons on Tuesday.

"We tried to work on some different things getting ready for district," Ort said. "Everyone expects us to set Kacie every time she's on the front row -- and she's a great player -- but for us to get to get where we want to go, everyone has to be able to step up."

Kacie Cartwright made an impact again Tuesday with 10 kills, four aces and five digs -- coming up with points that helped the Rams gain separation from Central early in the first set and late in the second set.

Lindsey Amick had 15 assists for Scott City, while Ashton Phillips and Jenny Glency each had three kills.

"Our thing is staying in control and trying to control things and do the things that we do no matter the situation," Ort said. "Lindsey does a good job controlling the play and is confident enough to put the ball where we want her to put it."

With Cartwright's effective serves and Amick's sets, Scott City built a 7-2 lead in the first set and was never headed.

The Rams built a 4-0 lead in the second game, but Central made it a fight the rest of the way, taking a 12-10 lead at one point. Scott City pulled away with a 5-2 spree -- including three kills by Cartwright and one each for Phillips -- to open a 22-18 lead

For Central (5-19), coming off a loss to Poplar Bluff on Monday night, Tuesday's effort was much more palatable.

"We played horrible" on Monday, Gannon said. "Tonight was a good rebound. We had kids in new positions and a new rotation. It was nice to play a team like Scott City and see the effort we gave."

Junior Laura Burdick led Central with five kills and five digs. Sophomore Ashton Gerlach added three kills and seven digs, senior Jessica Johnston had five digs and sophomore Kristen Shirrell had 11 assists.