The Middle School Lady Mustangs went up against Parish Episcopal School on October 16th, in the first game of the district playoffs. This game decided whether or not they would continue to fight for first place in district. The teams played two games and the Mustangs, unfortunately, didn’t make it to the next round. The final score of the games were 19-25 and 17-25. MCA made some amazing plays: blocks by eighth graders Emma Ewing and Sammie Pogue both resulted in points; there were diving saves by sixth grade libero Sky Miller, eighth graders defensive specialist Dylan Searles and middle blocker Lizzie Smith. Eighth graders Daniela Morales, Elizabeth Etheredge, and seventh grader, Camden Paschall, delivered some amazing serves. Even though the Mustangs didn’t win that game, they still had an amazing season and were able to grow as a team. The coach of the D1 team, Coach Neidlinger said,

“MCA struck first, with a great serve by Abigail Dahl, which resulted with the first point. The team really started to play with a determination I hadn’t seen before. The team really made Parish work for every point. Alas, Parish (who ultimately won the division) got in some great shots, too and won the game. However, I’m so proud of the effort of the entire team.” 

This season started out rocky for the Lady Mustangs but they were able to come back strong in the end. Neidlinger says, “I look forward to seeing what these athletes do next season.” With the skills they have learned this season they will come back next year even stronger.