Five-set heartache

A Mercer volleyball season full of celebration and joy came to a halting conclusion following a five-set playoff match on Thursday.

Two-seeded Prentice beat Mercer, the No. 1 seed, 3-2 (25-22, 21-25, 23-25, 25-20, 16-14) in a WIAA Division 5 sectional semifinal game at John “JP” Pierpont Court in Mercer.

“This match was the greatest example of heart and grit that I have ever seen as a coach,” coach Robyn Schoeneman said. “They played with everything they had and never gave up.”

Irene Moreno sets the ball with Ale DelVitto looking on in a WIAA Division 5 sectional semifinal game against Prentice Thursday, Oct. 31 at John “JP” Pierpont Court in Mercer. (Photo by Kate Reichl/Lakeland Times)

The Buccaneers (23-12, 4-1 Marawood — North Conference) won the first set 25-22 to give themselves some early momentum. Mercer had trouble stopping the play of Kali Heikkinen.

“She can hit the ball from anywhere and off of any type of set,” coach Schoeneman said. “They found her no matter where she was, and she put the ball away.”

Mercer bounced back with wins in the next two games. They won set two 25-21 and set three 25-23.

“Nothing changed from set to set as far as our play goes,” coach Schoeneman said. “They did great things, we did great things. We made mistakes, they made mistakes. Every game was so close that even the smallest things were making the biggest difference at crucial times.”

Prentice was in a must-win situation heading into the fourth set. They kept their season alive with a 25-20 win. Mercer senior Jenny Klopatek went down with an injury late in the fourth set.

Anya Brandenburg bumps the ball in the air during a WIAA Division 5 sectional semifinal game against Prentice Thursday, Oct. 31 at John “JP” Pierpont Court in Mercer. (Photo by Kate Reichl/Lakeland Times)

The match was tied at two apiece. Still battling an injury, Klopatek returned to the court for the fifth and final set. Mercer seniors Eiley Schoeneman and Rylinn Rossi joined Klopatek to lead the team on Thursday.

“They helped raise the level of play of everyone around them,” coach Schoeneman said. “They led with confidence and pride and never gave up.”

The Buccaneers won 16-14 to take the set and match.

“That set was heartbreaking,” coach Schoeneman said. “I don’t feel like we lost — I feel like we ran out of time.”

It was Mercer’s first loss in over a month; that was Sept. 28 against Baldwin-Woodville.

The loss ended the Tigers’ season with a record of 28-9.

“I am just super proud of these kids and their efforts,” coach Schoeneman said. “They are remarkable young ladies on top of being fantastic volleyball players. It was a great season, and one loss doesn’t define the type of year we had. It was a season of growth and determination. The girls should be very proud of themselves.”

Brett LaBore may be reached at [email protected] or [email protected].