The Stanton Mustangs are one win away from advancing to state for the first time in school history as they defeated Battle Creek and Lutheran High Northeast 3-1 in C2-5 Sub District action at Norfolk Catholic Monday and Tuesday.
Stanton took set one from the Braves 25-18. Battle Creek won set two 25-21, but the Mustangs took sets three and four 25-14 and 25-22.
Jessie Brandl finished with 15 kills and 15 digs while Hilary Huss totaled 14 kills, 18 digs, and 25 set assists. Bree Burtwhistle notched 8 kills, 12 digs, and 24 set assists. MacKenzie Brandl registered 48 digs while Leah Arens compiled 15.
The Eagles took set one from the Mustangs 25-20, but Stanton roared back to win sets two, three, and four 25-19, 25-17, and 25-21.
Jessie Brandl posted 22 kills and 20 digs while Huss and Burtwhistle recorded 11 kills apiece. MacKenzie Brandl totaled 42 digs while Burtwhistle added 16 digs and 20 set assists. Huss had 11 digs and 25 set assists while Arens chipped in 9 digs.
The Mustangs were challenged by both teams, but rose to the occasion in each match and got the job done each time. I don't think there was any way Stanton was going to let Battle Creek or Lutheran High Northeast beat them.
Stanton (31-2) takes on Shelby/Rising City Thursday night in the C2-3 District Final at Columbus Lakeview.
The Huskies defeated Twin River and Cross County 3-0 in Sub District C2-6 action on Monday.
Shelby/Rising City won't be an easy opponent by any means, but the Mustangs should have a really good chance to beat the Huskies and advance to state for the first time in school history.
Stanton has to play loose, aggressive, smart, and most importantly needs to have fun.
This is what the Mustangs have been working towards since the end of last year...the chance to get to the state tournament.
Stanton should reach state even if they lose, but there's a small chance the Mustangs could get left out again if they lose.
I'm sure Stanton just assumes win their way in and not have to worry about a wildcard.
It would be a big deal for the Mustangs to reach the state tournament. This team has dominated throughout the regular season and so far in the postseason, and has come too far to be denied now.
Stanton has to want it more than Shelby/Rising City, and that has to be evident in their play Thursday night.
This is just another road block to a potential state championship for the Mustangs. Stanton has passed nearly every test so far this season, and I look for the Mustangs to get the job done Thursday night.
There might be some early match jitters on the part of Stanton, but I look for the Mustangs to eventually settle into the match and roll to a 3-0 sweep, and at worst a 3-1 win.
Match time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
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