VOLLEYBALL: Rangerettes too much for PCHS
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Top-seeded Benton fought off the Lady Panthers for a 25-20, 25-13 victory in last night's IHSA Class 2A Regional Semifinal at Benton High School and advanced into Thursday's 7:00 p.m. championship against Du Quoin.
"(Benton can) just all-around can hit, they can pass, they're not going to miss a lot of serves," said Pinckneyville head coach Katie Shaneyfelt of the Rangerettes. "I felt like our girls came out ready to play and gave themselves a chance at it."
Haley Simpson finished with a team-high 6 kills for PCHS, Shannon Nehrkorn and Danielle Bruns each had 2, Alexis Bigham and Denise Bruns 1. Bigham led digs with 9, Taylor Cheek had 5, Lindsay Winter, Morgan Wild, Katelyn Mayer and Da. Bruns 3, and De. Bruns 1.
Winter led with 9 assists and Simpson and Da. Bruns each added a block.
The loss ends the Lady Panthers' season at 7-21, but the team played improved ball towards the end of the year as younger players gained more experience.
"Although our record doesn't show it, these girls have really given 110% all year," said Shaneyfelt. "That's why I never gave up on them, because they worked so hard, they have awesome attitudes."
Six underclassmen who saw extended playing time at the varsity level this season will return in 2012, including a lot of height.
"We're very excited because a lot of our net play is coming back next year, so that is pretty exciting for the future," Shaneyfelt said.
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