PIERRE — The Miller Rustlers turned in a solid team effort Tuesday night, defeating the Rapid City Christian Lady Comets 3-0 (25-19, 25-15 and 25-12) and punching their ticket to the Class “A” State Volleyball Tournament.
The Rustlers return to the State “A” after a two-year absence, when they finished as runner up.
VonnaGail Schlechter and Kadye Fernholz each had nine kills, and Fernholz added a pair of solo blocks for the Rustlers, who will head to the tournament with a 25-4 record.
As a team, Miller converted 92 percent of their serves on the night, with aces by Jeanna Pawlowski and Rachel Oligmueller.

Oligmueller had 29 assists in the game, while Karly Beckett and Fernholz had 12 and 10 digs, respectively, to lead the Rustler defenders.
Miller will likely play Belle Fourche in the first round of the State “A”, which begins Nov. 16 in Rapid City.
No team or individual stats were available for the Lady Comets, who end the year with a record of 22-9.

Photos:

Miller’s VonnaGail Schlechter serves during a Class A Sweet 16 match against Rapid City Christian on Tuesday in Pierre.

Next, Miller’s Teanna Pawlowski serves during a Class A Sweet 16 match against Rapid City Christian on Tuesday in Pierre.

Photos by Scott Millard courtesy of Pierre Capital Journal