McCook Red Crush 161's end season

Courtesy Members of the Red Crush 161s volleyball team are front, from left: Hanah Swanhorst, Ashley Palic, Syd Williams and Brianna Watkins. Back: Cheryl Braithwait, Joanna Bryant, Morgan Strand, Susan Koester, coach Steph Williams.

HASTINGS -- Sunday marked the end of the McCook Red Crush 161's volleyball season.

The team participated in the Hastings AVP tournament at the Lynn Farrell Arena.

"We played some good teams in pool play from Quad County, Superior Juniors and Queen City Jrs. (Hastings)," said coach Stephanie Williams.

"We didn't come out and play very well in pool play, but when things came right down to it, the girls rallied in true fashion to win the silver bracket tournament."

In the tournament, the Crush defeated the Hastings Tigers in three sets to advance to the finals before beating a team from Superior in three sets that beat the Crush earlier in pool play.

"We just couldn't seem to come out and dominate in the beginning; we were always coming from behind," Williams said. "But the determination and drive really came out in the final game against Superior.

"Cheryl Braithwait and Brianna Watkins did a good job of getting the ball passed around and they both take hustle to a new level. The setter position never gets any credit but these two played well all year.

"Hanah Swanhorst was a great defensive player and plays very well at the net. Ashley Palic played very well all around as did Susan Koester, you could always count on them. They played really well together all season with the rotation we used.

"Joanna Bryant is a true competitor with a never-say-die attitude and Morgan Strand came back in the rotation to put the game away in the third set. Morgan and Joanna have played middle all year and did a tremendous job.

"Sydney Williams played some of her best ball the last couple of tournaments from the outside hitter position. Syd had some great 'inspirational' talks in the huddle during this tournament.

"It was great for the girls to be able to come back after losing the first set and with our backs against the wall these girls found a way to win the tournament. They all did a great job and defined the meaning of the word 'team.'"

Other tournaments the 161's participated in were the Kearney Spring Spike Fest, where they finished third in the gold tournament after being defeated by Quad County Gold who went on to win the tournament; and the Gateway Challenge in Kearney, where the girls finished 2nd in the Bronze tournament losing to Nebraska Xpress.

"The girls worked very hard to make this team successful," Williams said. "They will be an asset to their own high school teams and they will be fun to watch in the next 2-3 years.

"This group of girls had a great support system at home to get them to all the practices and all the early morning or late night road trips with their families. I'd like to thank the parents for all of their support this season, without you it would not have been possible."