The action couldn’t have been closer or more intense as Trico edged out Steeleville in three sets 25-22, 23-25, 25-21 to win The 1A Trico volleyball regional title Saturday. Their first volleyball regional title since e 2002.
“It was a close game throughout,” said Trico coach Kassidy Phoenix. “It was a tough match, but it is always that way when you play Steeleville. This was our fourth time playing them this year, and we lost the previous three times. However, we were extremely determined to win.”
Kaitlyn Phoenix led the Lady Pioneers with 11 aces, 14 kills and nine blocks. Beth Daniels added 24 digs, and Jennifer McGill finished with 11 kills in the win.
“This team started the season slowly, but they  really got together at the end,” added Phoenix. “This team has started to mesh and is peaking at the right time.”
Jessica Troue broke Steeleville’s match record for kills with 18, while Jessie Husband added 22 assists. Brooke Rees had seven points, four blocks and six kills. Jenny Frederking finished with five points, five blocks and 13 digs, and Kayla Jeffers served for nine points.
“This was a disappointing way to end our season. I was hoping to bring home a regional plaque, but it just didn't happen,” said Steeleville coach Amy Brown. “We played hard, but we had 32 receiving serve errors that cost us the game.  We tried to overcorrect early on, and it just made it worse.  It was a little emotional after the game.  Since this is my last year coaching, saying that final ‘Warriors’ in the locker room was tough.  I have coached some of these girls since they were in eighth grade.  I am so proud that I had the opportunity to coach such amazing girls.  Not only did they develop as volleyball players, they also grew into incredible women.  I can’t thank them, or the parents who supported me, enough for all the memories that they were a part of.  Coaching here will be a chapter in my life that I will never forget.  The past four seasons I finished with a record of 81-52, something that I couldn’t have done without them.”
 Steeleville finished the season with a record of  20-12.
Trico improved to 18-13 overall and advanced to the Lebanon Sectional semifinals, where they took on Bunker Hill Tuesday night.