After winning the first set of Friday’s Class 2A, Section 5 championship match by 10 points, Concordia Academy seemed to be in control with a strong five-point lead over DeLaSalle in the second set.

Then, the Islanders battled back and had the gym at the Academy of Holy Angels in a frenzy. The Beacons did not despair.

“Our team is pretty even-keeled,” Concordia Academy coach Kim Duis said. “They don’t get rattled very easily and they take one (point) at a time and play through it.”

That poised paid off as the Beacons overcame DeLaSalle to win second set and then took the third, completing a 25-15, 25-20, 25-14 sweep of the Islanders and clinching their second consecutive state tournament bid.

DeLaSalle coach Jerrell Tate said his team never backed down in the strenuous match.

“It was a match that we knew was going to be tough for us, but we also went into it with the utmost confidence and faith,” Tate said. “That’s what we try to bring as a strong suit.”

Concordia Academy’s experience is a crucial component in its calming mentality. Outside hitter Sarah McTaggart and defensive specialist Taylor Brunn are the only freshmen on the roster.

The Beacons' battle-tested juniors and seniors carried the team on Friday night, led by junior outside hitter Erin Fallert, who chalked up 13 kills against DeLaSalle (20-7).

Fallert’s performance wasn’t unexpected, considering she’s been on the varsity since the eighth grade. 

Senior setter Elisabeth Tramm, who finished with 33 assists, has also been making an impact on Duis’ squad for several years, joining the roster as a freshman.

Duis said her players’ cohesiveness and understanding of each other has been a cornerstone of the team’s success.

Concordia Academy’s roster sports five seniors, with Tramm and senior outside hitter Clara Paul serving as team captains. 

Tramm said the seniors play an important role in the program by providing moral support, but the Beacons (23-6) wouldn’t be as successful without contributions from every player.  

“(The seniors) definitely round out the team,” Tramm said. “But we couldn’t do it without the underclassmen.”     

Tramm said the players are best friends, while Fallert said there’s no division between the older and younger players.

“We kind of treat everyone as if they’re all in one grade,” she said. “It doesn't really matter what grade you're in, everyone’s friends with each other, everyone gets along really well, no drama or anything.”

When asked who her favorite senior was, Fallert named Tramm for her amazing personality.  

“She’s very funny. She knows how to get people excited and pumped up, so she’s definitely one of those people who are just really crazy and funny and fun to have around,” Fallert said.

Concordia Academy, ranked No. 2 in the final Class 2A coaches’ poll of the season, advances to state with nearly an identical record to last year (24-7-2). 

The Beacons, however, hope for better results. Concordia Academy lost in the quarterfinals but reached the consolation championship game, where it lost to Rocori 3-1. 

Duis said success will come if her team continues following its game plan.  

“Passing tough and serving tough are our two areas,” she said. “If we can do that, a lot of good things happen. And we’ve been successful at that all year, so we’ll keep pushing that.”   

First Report 

Junior outside hitter Erin Fallert chalked up 13 kills to help top-seeded Concordia Academy clinch a Class 2A state tournament bid with a 25-15, 25-20, 25-14 victory against second-seeded DeLaSalle in the Section 5 championship game Friday night at the Academy of Holy Angels.   

Junior outside hitter Sally Paul had 10 kills while junior middle hitter Anika Neuman recorded seven kills and two blocks and senior setter Elisabeth Tramm finished with 33 assists for the Beacons (23-6), ranked No. 2 in the final Class 2A coaches' poll of the season.

Senior setter Sarah Kleinschmidt tallied 16 assists and six digs and junior right side hitter Paris Smith had 12 kills and three digs for the Islanders (20-7). Junior libero Maddie Duffy finished with a team-high 27 digs and senior defensive specialist Ryan Satre added 12.

Concordia Academy heads to its second consecutive state tournament. The Beacons lost to Rocori 3-1 in last year's consolation championship.

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