The 2023-24 Lady Pirate volleyball team (l to r): Coach Kim Miller, Coach Paige Goetzinger, Kaydance Maertins, Brooke Rafert, Teya Boyer, Katie Mauer, Abby Kromarek, Mallory Mauer, Shayla Jacobsen, Hannah Darnall, Peighton Arlt and Coach Christi Boyer; and front row: Madelynn Dougherty, Marque Albin and Jordynn Frahm.

On Saturday, October 23 the Pirate Volleyball team traveled to Aurora for a District Final match up against the Roughriders of Southwest, with a berth to the State Volleyball Tournament on the line. 

The #2 Southwest got the best of Plainview in a five set intense matchup that lasted nearly two hours (19-25, 22-25, 25-17, 25-22, 14-16). 

“Heartbroken. This team is heartbroken right now but this team deserves every bit of praise I can think of. That was some tremendous volleyball. We gave Southwest all they could handle and a bit more,” said Coach Kim Miller.

Offensively, the team was led at the net by Teya Boyer with 19 kills. She was followed closely by Hannah Darnall with 16. Boyer also led in set assists with 23, followed by Shayla Jacobsen with 21. Brooke Rafert placed two ace serves from the back line. Net defense was led by Darnall and Jacobsen, who accumulated ten blocks each. Abbie Kromarek and Madelynn Dougherty led in floor defense, with each of them picking up 18 digs.

This game ended the careers of seven seniors: Marque Albin, Teya Boyer, Madelynn Dougherty, Jordynn Frahm, Abbie Kromarek, Katie Mauer, and Brooke Rafert. 

“This group of seniors have made an impact on this program that is incomparable. Every single one of them has left a bit of themselves behind with this team and we are better off for it,” said Coach Miller regarding the Volleyball Class of 2024.

October 23, Subdistricts vs. Creighton
Plainview was the host of Subdistrict D1-3 on Monday, October 23 and the host team took home a three set sweep of Creighton (25-16, 25-17, 25-11) in the final match of the evening. 

“This is the start we needed for our postseason. The girls came in and left nothing to surprise, even in the moments when the momentum left our side they maintained control,” said Coach Miller.

Offensively, the team as a whole had an efficient game, with all players hitting 0.133% or higher. Teya Boyer and Hannah Darnall led the way in kills with nine each. Boyer led in set assists with 19. 

Darnall led from the service line with three aces. Defensively, Madelynn Dougherty covered the floor, digging up 14 balls. She was followed closely in this category by Darnall and Abbie Kromarek with 13 digs each. Kromarek and Shayla Jacobsen led the way in blocks with four each.

October 23, Subdistricts vs. Tri County Northeast
In the second night of postseason play, Plainview took on the Wolfpack of Tri County Northeast and came out as Subdistrict Champions with another sweep (25-14, 25-21, 25-19). 

“It is nice to win our last home game. Getting through subdistricts without being upset and just taking care of business is exactly what we needed to do. The girls came in and did their jobs. It is very good to see,” said Coach Miller.

Offensively, the team was led at the net by Abbie Kromarek, who had 21 kills and an impressive 0.625 hitting percentage. Shayla Jacobsen led in set assists with 16. The service line was led by Brooke Rafert and Marque Albin, with two aces each. 
Defensively, Teya Boyer covered the floor well with 16 digs and Hannah Darnall recorded five blocks at the net.