Pirates fall in sectional championship: Coach Wills proud of team and its epic season

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PECATONICA–It wasn’t a match for the faint of heart. It was, however, a match one would expect to see in a sectional championship.

Unfortunately for the Galena Pirates, they came out on the short end of the 23-25, 26-24, 23-25 score, falling to Dakota in the IHSA Class 1A Pecatonica Sectional Final.

“What an epic battle,” coach Dennis Wills said, “146 points in a sectional final–you know that’s a close match!”

“I’m very proud of the way this team never gave up against a very good opponent,” said Wills. “They battled to the end, but...someone has to win and someone has to lose. Unfortunately we came up just a little bit short this time.”

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Senior Sami Wasmund continued to be a force at the net with eight kills and eight blocks, but it was senior McKenna Curran’s turn to get hot, recording 13 kills in the match.

Sophomore Maggie Furlong and senior Mackenzie Muehleip added five kills each. Juniors Abby Soppe (15) and Kellyn Romer (14) combined for 29 assists. Muehleip was 18 of 20 from the service line with one ace and Wasmund went nine of nine. Wasmund picked up 21 digs and Maggie Furlong had 19.

“While it [the loss] hurts, we can’t hang our heads too much after that one,” Wills said. “Our players gave 110 percent and that’s all we can ask. This team finished at 30-8, with a regional championship. Nice job ladies!”

Wills added that the team would like to thank all its fans and supporters.

“Great job Pirate Nation!” he said.