Monticello falls short on Senior Night despite gutsy performances by Stemland, Koch

Shoutout to the six outstanding seniors that have given so much to their team and school!! Amelia Koch, Keelin Fowley, Sophie Koch, Katie O’Connor, Zoe Utz, and Lyndsey Stemland

The volleyball team fell short in their final home game against out-of-district foe Wilson Memorial. Seniors Lyndsey Stemland and Sophie Koch had outstanding performances, which kept the Mustangs right with their opponent.

1st Set

A see-saw, with Wilson Memorial pulling ahead and MHS answering back. Anna Monroe had a pair of kills early to give her team momentum, which former NBA block expert Dikembe Mutombo, no, current MHS block expert Lyndsey Stemland followed up with her first of ten, yes ten, blocks in the game. Soon enough, Wilson broke the front securing a 22-15 lead. The deficit was brought within two, but the Hornets took the first set 25-21 after calling a timeout to break the Mustangs' momentum.

2nd Set

The team got off to a strong start but surrendered a 10-1 run and had to play from behind. Freshman Nadia Mithqal was not going down without a fight. She provided a ludicrous 20 assists throughout the game. Sophie Koch, the MHS all-time leader in kills, could not get enough from Mithqal, slamming ten kills. Despite strong chemistry between the two, the Hornets clawed another set 17-25. The Mustangs got off to good starts but struggled in the middle of sets, leading to insuperable deficits.

3rd Set

A roller coaster of emotions. The score was gridlocked at 18 before Wilson went on a 6-3 run and started to taste victory. MHS leveraged a loud and packed student section with a 4-point string to take the lead. Wilson remained unfazed and rattled off three points to seal the deal. Service errors plagued MHS throughout the game; costing points, momentum, and the difference between close sets.

Stat Leaders

Stemland - Seven kills, ten blocks, five digs

Koch - Ten kills

Mithqal - Twenty assists, three aces

Rachel Pickens - Three aces

The Mustangs (8-12, 6-8 District) look to rebound as they go into postseason play Monday, matching up against Brookville at 6 PM. Congratulations to the team on their hard work in the regular season and on making it to the playoffs!