The Liberty Christian volleyball team capped off a successful season with a fourth-place finish at the MCSAA Division I State Championships on Oct. 25. 

The Eagles went 3-2 in the tournament, defeating Heartland, Overland Christian and Lighthouse Prep Academy in two sets. They fell in two sets to Lighthouse Prep in a rematch and Plaza Heights for the third-place match. 

“For having such a young core and having the young players that we have, the girls had a very good tournament,” Liberty Christian coach Dakota Ball said. “They played very well and they were pretty happy with the outcome.” 

The Eagles began their tournament play with two straight wins.

“Everything was working and clicking right off the bat and they were firing on all cylinders,” Ball said. “The energy was high and they were communicating very well.” 

Marielle Moss earned first-team all-state honors, while Trina Scheltens received a second-team nod. Moss ended her season with 161 kills, 117 service aces and 137 digs. Scheltens recorded 388 assists, 136 digs and 80 kills. 

“(Moss) had seven kills in the first three sets (in the state tournament) and (Scheltens) was a huge leader and led the team in assists,” Ball said. 

This year’s state tournament marks the second year the Eagles competed in Division I, which has bigger schools and challenging competition.

“It was a good learning experience for a young team. I thought they handled it really well and I’m excited to see what they do next year after having the experience that they now have.” Ball said. 

Ball was pleased with how his team performed this season as well as the growth of the players, including the sophomores. LCA placed second in the Metro Athletic Conference.

“The growth was fantastic,” he said. “The sophomore class stepped up huge and we had several of them lead the team in aces in kills, and the whole team just really grew together.” 

Besides Moss, Bailey Mindermann and Caroline Keller were other valuable players on the team. Mindermann was the team’s libero and Keller led the team in kills with 202.

“There were several girls that from a learning and experience standpoint, they had major growth,” Ball said. 

Ball credited Scheltens, a senior setter, for her steady and consistent leadership. 

“She had been starting for us since she was a sophomore, so having that leadership and that knowledge of what it’s like to start as a young player, it was fantastic to see her growth throughout the season as a leader and as a corner piece that kept my court calm and collected,” Ball said. 

The Eagles ended their season with a 7-14 record. Ball is already looking forward to next year. 

“We’re excited to be able to grow off of what we did this year with our returning sophomore and junior class that will be the foundation for that team,” Ball said. “We’ll still be in (Division I) for the third year, so we’re hoping we’ll be able to capitalize on that and make a little bit further run next year.”