What a way to end the season 3 cc

WHAT A WAY TO END THE SEASON – Coach Kelly Bryson and her Lady Buffalos began an uphill battle on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 20 and 21, at the 2016 MCSAA State Volleyball Finals in Joplin. With the brackets set, the Buffalos were scheduled to play Community Christian Academy beginning at 8 a.m. sharp on Saturday, Oct 22. A win by ECHS was needed to advance to the “trophy” side of the MCSAA Division 3 bracket. During the first match, junior, Alyssa Hammons served eight straight, followed by teammate Mindy Harper chalking up six points. ECHS won the match 25-12. The second match stayed even until Community served three points in a row, making the score 20-17, Community. The Buffalos answered with eighth graders, Kiely Messick and Isabelle Bryson serving two each; Hailey Krehbiel spiking two at the net and sister, Aidan Krehbiel, #34, sealing the win with points, 24 and 25. Winning this match advanced the girls to play Maranatha Academy for third.

Entering the trophy round, Maranatha girls started the first game with a run of nine points on the Lady Buffalos. Nerves seemed to take control of ECHS allowing the Warriors to win the first match 25-17. With one loss against them, the Lady Buffalos had to pull together. Maranatha had a strong serve starting out the second set, banking 6 straight points. Coach Bryson called a timeout and calmed her girls. ECHS took the floor, Joelle Biron and Hailey Krehbiel fired up the team with two points each while Isabelle Bryson set her front row spikers; score 15-13 Maranatha. Floor burns, tips, and accurate digs gave ECHS the win, 25-21. With one win each, both teams took the floor. MOKAN Conference volleyball teams, Show-Me Christian Academy and Christian Learning Center filled the bleachers, cheering on the Lady Buffalos. ECHS looked focused and ready to play ball. Freshman Hailey Krehbiel, served four straight. Jordanne Steuck, Kiely Messick and Aidan Krehbiel blocked, tipped and controlled the net; score 8-4, ECHS. Juniors Alyssa Hammons and Mindy Harper, hustled and dove, saving three points; score 10-4. Needing five points to win, eighth grader Jordanne Steuck, served four, 14-4. Maranatha’s ball; Mindy Harper made the call on the back row, and with inches, Maranatha’s serve was out; 15-4, ECHS. Coach Bryson and her Lady Buffalos; five eighth graders, a freshman and three juniors, won third place in Division 3 at the MCSAA State Volleyball Finals in Joplin, Missouri. Congrats Lady Buffalos!

Pictured with Coaches, Mrs. Kelly Bryson, and Mr. Travis Bryson; l to r: Isabelle Bryson, Kiely Messick, Hailey Krehbiel, Aidan Krehbiel, Alyssa Hammons, Joelle Biron and Jordanne Steuck.  Front row; Mindy Harper.