by Logan Gilman

The PCM Mustang volleyball team had a daunting challenge ahead of them in the Substate game at Newton High School on Nov. 3. This challenge came in the form of the Nevada Cubs, who haven’t lost a game in class 3A play all season. The Mustangs fell short of their task, as they were defeated in straight sets with scores of 25-3, 25-14 and 25-11.
The first set was a quick one. The Cubs were up 2-1, and then they turned the jets on by scoring 21 straight points to make the lead 23-1. The Mustangs salvaged two more points in the set before they were defeated. In the next set, the Mustangs put up a fight, but Nevada proved to be too strong, as they took the set to push their lead to two sets to none. The Mustangs had their backs against the wall but couldn’t get a victory, and they lost the third and final set of the night, while Nevada finished the sweep to make their third straight State tournament.
Head Coach Krystal Ehn said, “They, unfortunately, have a lot of height on us and are an older, more experienced team. We will use this third round play as a learning experience to prepare for the next volleyball season.”
The Lady ‘Stangs didn’t reach the State tournament, but this season was anything but a failure for the team. The Mustangs won two playoff games and made it to Substate for the first time since 2006.
“There are a couple of things this year that were highlights for the Varsity and I, ‘Ehn said, “The first being our huge win over CMB. As you know, I use to coach there, and to be able to get that win against them was fabulous. The second was getting to the third round Substate game in regional playoffs. These accomplishments have set the bar for the PCM volleyball program in my eyes.”