Northland Christian wins Missouri Class 1 high school volleyball state title

A new athletic facility will open on the Northland Christian campus in the 2017-18 school year.

When it’s ready, the Trailblazers will have a state championship banner to add to the decor.

The Northland Christian volleyball team captured the first state title in school history Saturday when it defeated Valle Catholic in straight sets for the Missouri Class 1 championship.

In only its second year competing in the Missouri State Activities High School Association postseason, Northland Christian defeated Valle Catholic 25-23, 25-20 in the final Saturday.

It lost to Valle Catholic in the round robin Friday but bounced back to win its next two matches and still qualify for the final.

"I think the girls were a bit nervous and played timid yesterday, with it being their first time down there," coach Brandy Tanner said. "But they came back and played like they've played all year in the championship. They really responded well."

Junior Rachel Sturdevant had 12 kills in the championship match, and junior Virginia Kruse added eight. The Trailblazers recorded 47 digs, led by 13 from junior Rebekah Rothacher, who also had 14 assists. The team has only one senior — libero Eliza Testorff.

This story was originally published October 29, 2016 at 3:58 PM with the headline "Northland Christian wins Missouri Class 1 high school volleyball state title."