Queens of the Tri Rivers Court

 The upcoming conference tourney on Saturday could well be any team's game...but today, the Springville Orioles are wearing the conference crown.

 For only the 2nd time since starting a volleyball program, the Orioles captured the conference volleyball title outright. (Springville won the title in 2000. They also tied for the title in 2007, and tied for the Valley Division in 2006)  The Orioles cleared a major hurdle in their climb by defeating previously unbeaten (in the conference) Monticello last week  in 3 straight sets.  Monticello dropped a match to Alburnett two nights later, leaving Springville with destiny firmly in their own hands. 

The Oriole ladies made good by defeating East Buchanan last night to seal the deal and finish the regular season all alone at the top with an 8-1 record. 

With a starter out sick and a sophomore JV player stepping in to fill the hole in the front row,  it took a little time for the players to find a groove.  The team struggled a bit dropping game two, and with game three starting a bit wobbly, fans held their breath... but sparked by great tip from cool headed setter Karlee Markley, Katie Wyman found her kill stride & the team came alive.  With 9 kills each from Maggie Ray, Katie &  Hannah Loehr, the Orioles left no doubt in the end.  With her signature unconcerned style, Alesea Bednarz served 10 aces to cap her final regular season game in style.

Coming off the bench to start, Alysha Dirks had 4 kills and two blocks, and fellow sophomore & regular starter CJ Fitzgerald added 4 kills and three aces, giving fans a good feeling about what the Orioles will be serving up over the next few years. 

The Orioles will take on Calamus Wheatland in first round regional play on Wednesday the 21st at Springville.

Congratulations to the 2009 Springville Orioles - Tri Rivers Conference Champions

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