VOLLEYBALL: DHS beats A-J to end SIRR schedule
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ The DuQuoin Indian Volleyball team took on Anna-Jonesboro Thursday evening. DuQuoin defeated A-J (at Anna) in two games. The scores were 25-17 and in a close second game 25-23.
DuQuoin's overall record is now 22-8 and 6-4 in the Conference. The Conference schedule is now complete for DuQuoin. Their standing in the Conference race depends on other Conference matches being held next week.
The starting lineup of Rebekah Maddox, Ashley Ward, Cassidy Rice (Libero), Kelsey Toler, Jessica Hirsch, Megi Jones, and Keawna Anders got off to a quick start for DuQuoin. DuQuoin went up 6-0 before A-J was able to score. Those points came on Toler and Anders spikes that A-J could not handle. Jessica Hirsch had a super game with several hard hit spikes that A-J could not return. DuQuoin went on to win the game at 25-17.
The second game did not start out very well for DuQuoin. The offense seemed to "sputter" the first part of the game. DuQuoin got behind early and had trouble making the comeback until mid game. A timeout at 14-8 seemed to turn the game around for the Indians. Point by point DuQuoin began to catch up with A-J. At 20-18 DuQuoin's Hirsch made two good spikes in a row to score points. A-J was called for an illegal hit to go 21-21. Toler hit a little push shot for a point. DuQuoin was called for a lift to put A-J ahead at 23-22. Toler hit a spike that was good to tie at 23-23. With the score tied, Anders' spiked one right at an A-J player to score, and then on the next play she put a nice spike down to win the game 25-23.
Coach Isaac Miller was very happy with his team's performance. He said, "we came out inspired, and our play was inspiring. Hirsch was playing the front row, and she played an outstanding match. She was really hitting the ball well. We were able to run our quick sets tonight. That was hurting A-J. Our back row was scrappy, and we were able to pick up their digs."
Leading in assists was Jones with 19. Toler (9), Maddox (8), and Hirsch (5) led in kills. Toler (9), Anders (8), Jones (7), Rice (6), Hirsch (5), and Maddox (4) were the leaders in digs. Toler had two blocks and Maddox, Martin, and Hirsch had one each. Ward led in service points with 10 (4 aces).
The Junior Varsity was not as fortunate as the Varsity. The JV lost their match 2-0 with game scores of 25-20 and 25-17. The JV record is now 5-7. Bailie Caldwell (5), Lela Copeland (3) and Tomi Hamlin (3) led in digs. Copeland had 3 kills and Caldwell 2.
The Freshmen team won the first match of the evening 2-0 with game scores of 21-18 and 21-15. The Freshmen record went to 16-2. This win gives the Freshmen the Conference Championship. Their only loss in the Conference was to Pinckneyville.
Abby Myers led in digs followed by Chandra Gilliam with 3 and Kate Toler with 3. Lela Copeland led in kills with 5. Toler and Caldwell followed with 4 each. Hailey Stewart led with 8 assists and Gilliam was not far behind with 7.
DuQuoin plays at home on Tuesday evening against Trico. This is the final home game and will be Senior Night. Three Seniors will be honored--Kelsey Toler, Ashley Ward, and Curry Emling. In addition, it will also be "Pink Night." Everyone is encouraged to wear pink to the game to bring attention to the fight against breast cancer.
On Wednesday, DuQuoin travels to Herrin and on Thursday DuQuoin travels to Steeleville for the final regular season game. The Regional starts the following week at Carterville. DuQuoin is seeded number one in that Regional and will take on either Johnston City or Carterville on Thursday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m.