The top-seeded Fergus Falls Otters (14-12) prevailed over second-seed Wadena-Deer Creek (24-4) in five games on Oct. 30 at neutral site Detroit Lakes to earn the South Sub-Section 8AA championship.
The Wolverines defeated the Otters 25-15 in the first game but lost 17-25 and 23-25 before reasserting control with an easy 25-8 victory in game four.
In the decisive fifth game, the Otters grabbed a 12-4 lead but the Lady Wolverines refused to buckle, clawing back to tie it. In the end, kills by Otters Sarah Erickson and Brittany Gagner gave Fergus a dramatic 16-14 victory in the decisive fifth game.
"We had our opportunities in different games to win and control the match but [Fergus] took advantage of some poor passing at times on our part and we didn't put the game away when we had the chance," said Lady Wolverine Coach Sue Volkmann.
The Lady Wolverines missed only three serves against the Otters and blocked 38 shots. Three Lady Wolverines had perfect serving nights and were led by Lorraine Endres with 28-for-28 and five aces from the line. Kelly DeFoe had a team-high 15 blocks while Endres and Brigetta Berg had nine apiece. Berg led the team with 25 kills. Brittany Ohrmundt and Endres combined for 20 kills.
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Steph Perkins and Ohrmundt recorded 21 digs apiece. Courtney Volkmann, Berg and Tina Schloeder all kicked in to contribute 45 digs. Volkmann also had 47 set assists in the loss.
"This was a tough loss for us," Volkmann said. "We had a great year and were the Mid-State conference champions. We have a great nucleus of players coming back next year and hopefully we will have another successful season."
The Lady Wolverines finished the season with a 24-5 record.
South Sub-section 8AA Championship
WDC vs. Fergus Falls on Oct. 30 in Detroit Lakes
Otters 3, Lady Wolverines 2 (25-16,17-25,23-25,25-8,14-16)
WDC Stats
Kills-Courtney Volkmann 7, Brigetta Berg 25, Lorraine Endres 12, Brittany Ohrmundt 8, Kelly DeFoe 4
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Defensive Digs-Volkmann 15, Berg 18, Endres 3, Ohrmundt 21, Tina Schloeder 12, Steph Perkins 21, Maggie Friedrich 3
Serving-Endres-28 for 28 with 5 aces, Ohrmundt-14 for 14, Schloeder-15 for 17 with an ace, Perkins-8 for 9 with an ace, Friedrich-22 for 22 with an ace
Blocks-Volkmann 5, Berg 9, Endres 9, DeFoe 15
Setting Assists-Volkmann 47
