In its first trip to state volleyball since 1997, the Milford Eagles took second-seeded Pierce to five sets but fell short 25-23, 20-25, 20-25, 25-21, 15-13.
“I am very proud of this team this year. There were tremendous strikes taken,” Coach Emily Restau said. “The poise and never-give-up attitude was evident at the state tournament. The girls handled themselves so well throughout the match. Props to Pierce as they really turned their game on at the end of the fourth and fifth sets.”
Freshman Shayla Rautenberg led the Eagles with 28 kills and five blocks. Junior Kylie Jakub delivered 42 assists and picked up 18 digs. Senior Taylor Oldfield added 17 digs and three ace serves, and junior Libbie Reil picked up 13 digs.
Restau said the seniors this year brought experience, athleticism and leadership to the Eagles.
“Each senior brought something valuable but different to the team, which helped the team as a whole. They were willing to put in the work to continue to improve their own skills, which in return improved the team,” she said.
Seniors are Brooklyn McDonald, Taylor Oldfield and Hannah Reynolds.
The Eagles finished the season with a 24-10 record. Oldfield and Jakub both passed career milestones, with Oldfield reaching 1,000 career digs and Jakub passing 2,000 career assists.
Records set included Rautenberg with 32 kills against Lakeview for single match kills and 118 blocks in the season and Jakub with 919 set assists for the season.
