~by Dustin Teays for The Scranton Journal
The Paton-Churdan Rockets volleyball team closed their year with a first-round postseason matchup against the Madrid Tigers.
The Rockets faced off against the Tigers in the first round and were able to host the game as well. The Rockets battled but ultimately fell 3-1 (14-25, 25-23,17-25, 26-28), but they fought to the very end and kept the match razor close. Madrid advanced to the next round where they lost to BCLUW 3-0 in sets which ended their season.
With the conclusion of the 2024-25 season for the Rockets, they earned an overall record of 3-13 with an 0-8 Rolling Valley Conference record. This young team, which fielded just one senior and five sophomores, two juniors and one freshman, collected the most wins since the 2020-2021 season, showcasing they are moving in the right direction.
Grace Cullum finished her last season as a Rocket volleyball player and played an instrumental role in the program. This year Cullum was among the best players in the conference in assists and serve efficiency, showcasing her importance to the team.
Other players also showcased their talent throughout the season and the freshmen on the team showed they are ready to fill in the spots as up-and coming players.
The team collected wins against Storm Lake St. Mary’s for the second time; they won their most recent matchup in 2014 as well. They also won against Orient-Macksburg to even that series out with a 9-9-1 all-time record between the teams. The Rockets picked up their third win of the year against Colo-Nesco for their first win in that series.
With their third win, they surpassed their win total from the previous three seasons combined. The 2021-22 season they went 1-17, their 2022-23 season they went 1-21 and their 2023-24 season they finished 0-14.
Returning players Holly Miller, Maggie Reed, Mia Russell, Madison Roper, Kaliyah Minnihan, Alivya Smith, Ella Tasler and Abbi Summers will likely be led by Russell and Roper, who will be the team’s seniors next season.
Paton-Churdan 1 Madrid 3
Kills: Alivya Smith 11, Mia Russell 7, Holly Miller 6, Grace Cullum 2, Kaliyah Smith 1, Maggie Reed 1
Assists: Grace Cullum 14, Mia Russell 2, Alivya Smith 2, Ella Tasler 2, Kaliyah Minnihan 1
Digs: Alivya Smith 27, Kaliyah Minnihan 20, Mia Russell 16, Ella Tasler 15, Grace Cullum 9, Holly Miller 5, Maggie Reed 4
