Staff writer
Goessel won the Wheat State League regular season title Sept. 29 by overpowering Wakefield 25-7, 25-4.
For the sixth time since the league was formed, Goessel earned the top spot. The Bluebirds have gone undefeated in regular season games each of those six seasons.
“I feel a lot of nostalgia, pride, and a gigantic dose of humility this evening,” said coach Crysta Guhr. “Thinking back to all the players and managers who have won these titles brings me much joy and tremendous pride.”
Goessel went 5-0 at the Canton-Galva tournament Saturday, capturing another championship. The Bluebirds had one set where they fell behind and won by a slim margin, but the rest of the sets were victories for the Bluebirds in lopsided fashion.
The Bluebirds defeated Little River 25-10, 25-8. Against a scrappy Central Christian team, Goessel won 25-8, 25-14.
Goessel felt a mid-day slump as Sunrise Christian got ahead of the Bluebirds momentarily, but Goessel came from behind and won by a slim 25-21 margin, then regained its focus to win 25-10.
In the semi-final match, Goessel defeated Halstead 25-7, 25-10. Canton Galva advanced to the championship match to face the Bluebirds for the second time this season.
Rocketing hits from Page Hiebert helped the Bluebirds to a 10-3 lead, forcing the Eagles to call time out. Canton Galva briefly matched Goessel point for point, but with Alyssa Booton serving and Eden Hiebert, Olivia Duerksen and Brttney Hiebert in the front row, the Bluebird lead exploded to 21-6. Alicen Meysing ended the set with a smash for a 25-9 win. In the second set, Goessel exploited every Eagles mistake and jumped out to an 11-2 lead. The Bluebirds played solid volleyball and dominated to a 25-6 win.
The Bluebirds played Little River and Wakefield on Tuesday.
Goessel will play host to a Class 1A substate tournament October 24.