JOPLIN, MO — The Thomas Jefferson Cavaliers volleyball team emerged victorious at their own Thomas Jefferson Invitational on Saturday, capping a thrilling day of competition with a hard-fought championship win over Galena in a dramatic three-set final.
The day began with pool play, where Thomas Jefferson dominated the Gold Pool. The Cavaliers dispatched Sheldon in straight sets (25-11, 25-14) and followed with a decisive victory over Hurley (25-16, 25-22), securing their spot as the top seed from their pool. Meanwhile, in the Purple Pool, Galena defeated Thomas Jefferson’s JV squad (25-15, 25-17) and Everton (25-19, 25-23), setting the stage for a showdown with the Cavaliers later in the tournament.
The quarterfinals saw Everton edge out Hurley in a tight match (25-17, 27-25), while Sheldon overcame Thomas Jefferson JV (25-23, 25-16).
The semifinals brought heightened intensity, with Galena overpowering Sheldon (25-13, 25-10) to secure their place in the final. Thomas Jefferson, meanwhile, battled Everton in a competitive semifinal, pulling away with a 25-22, 25-18 victory to earn their shot at the championship.
The final match against Galena was a rollercoaster. The first set saw Galena take an early lead, fending off a late Cavaliers rally to win 27-25. Undeterred, Thomas Jefferson roared back in the second set, dominating 25-13 to force a decisive third set. In a nail-biting finish, the Cavaliers outlasted Galena 26-24.