Hartsburg-Emden eighth-grade girls win volleyball semifinals, play for state title Tuesday

[March 24, 2014]  HARTSBURG — In Class 8-1A volleyball semifinal play this weekend, the Hartsburg-Emden Stags' win over Springfield Little Flower gives the Stags a way to lay claim to either the state title or first runner-up on Tuesday evening. Hartem advances to the championship match with a 25-0-0 record.

Hartsburg-Emden vs. Springfield Little Flower scores: 25-14, 25-13

Individual statistics

Hartsburg-Emden:

• Anna Hayes: 15 points, 3 aces

• Lexi Barry: 8 points, 3 aces

• Emme Olson: 4 points, 1 ace

• Tearaney Eads: 2 points

• Shyanne Conrady: 4 points

Springfield Little Flower:

• Claire Dodson: 1 point

• Bailey Morrow: 2 points, 1 ace

• Katie Robinson: 7 points, 1 ace

• Renee Abernathy: 3 points, 1 ace

Match comments

The Stags of Hartsburg-Emden defeated the Falcons of Springfield Little Flower in two sets in the second semifinal contest of the day. Anna Hayes was once again the standout in this match, as the Lady Stags tallied 15 service points as well as three aces.

As for the Falcons, in both sets they jumped out to 4-0 leads on the Stags. However, each time they couldn't hold off the high-tempo offense of Hartsburg-Emden. Valiant in defeat, Katie Robinson of Springfield Little Flower finished the evening with seven service points and an ace.

With the victory, the Stags of Hartsburg-Emden advance to Tuesday's Class 1A state championship against Peoria Limestone Walters. Springfield Little Flower will battle Royal Prairieview Ogden for the Class 1A third-place title.

The state championship match takes place Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. at Hartsburg-Emden High School.

[Information from IESA website]