Sports

Two-Game Win Over Oakville Gives Panthers District Edge

Mehlville defeated the Tigers on their way to a second-place finish in the district tournament.

Mehlville got sweet revenge Friday night as they defeated cross-town rival Oakville in two games, 25-19 and 25-19.

The at Oakville, but won when it counted at the Class 4 District 1 tournament, also hosted at Oakville.

“That’s a big hump that our school has fought to get over for awhile,” Mehlville coach James Fischer said. “They’ve owned us. Finally getting over that hump is beautiful.”

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Mark Leininger led in kills for Mehlville with eight, but sophomore Ryan Hoyer tacked five, showing his worth in the postseason.

“Ryan Hoyer is a star in the making. As a sophomore, he’s gone through the process, he’s had some developing to do,” Fischer said. “I expect big things from him in the future.”

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Mehlville had two and three-point leads most of the first game, but pulled away when Oakville’s defense weakened.

Despite missing seven serves in the first game, Mehlville had a five-point lead when senior Aaron Friday ended the game with a huge block.

Oakville was missing key hitter Jake Duckworth, who is suspended for the rest of the season.

Junior Matt Seebeck stepped up and recorded five kills and two blocks for the Tigers.

Oakville played it close in the second game, and the two teams were tied at 14. But two straight kills from Eric Hoyer gave the Panthers a 19-17 lead. Oakville errors and kills from Ryan Hoyer and Leininger ended the game with another 25-19 win.

Read more about the district tournament:


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