Webb City Cardinals Sweep Marshfield in Class 5 Sectional Volleyball Showdown
JOPLIN, Mo. – The Webb City Cardinals volleyball team delivered a commanding 3-0 (27-25, 25-19, 25-23) victory over the Marshfield Tigers in the Class 5 District 6 sectional round of the state tournament over the weekend.
The win advances the Cardinals to the state semifinals with a matchup against St. Pius X (25-2) on Wednesday.
The match saw Webb City overcome an early deficit in the first set, rallying with a 5-0 run to claim it 27-25. Their balanced attack produced 39 kills on 129 attempts for a .202 hitting percentage, while six aces and 65 forced reception errors from Marshfield disrupted the Tigers’ rhythm.
Marlee Harper led with 14 points, including eight kills on 34 swings (.118) and four blocks (one solo, three assisted). Her net presence proved pivotal, particularly in the third set, where a crucial block sparked a 6-1 run to seal the sweep. Savannah Crane orchestrated the offense with 27 assists, adding eight kills (.533) and two aces. Outside hitter Jaylee VanBecelaere contributed nine kills (.217), while middle blocker Kaelyn Maxwell delivered six kills (.313) and two assisted blocks. Opposite Jocelyn Maxwell added five kills (.286) and two solo blocks to fortify the front line.
Defensively, libero Avery Gardner anchored the back row with 26 digs, supported by Allie Collard’s eight digs and one ace off the bench. The Cardinals’ 80 total digs and nine blocks (three solo, 12 assisted) stifled Marshfield’s offense, which struggled to maintain consistency.
The first set was a back-and-forth battle, with Marshfield tying at 25 before VanBecelaere’s kill and Harper’s ace secured it. Webb City dominated the second set 25-19, fueled by Crane’s serving, and closed the third 25-23 after Marshfield narrowed a 20-15 gap, with Harper’s block and Gardner’s dig setting up the final point.