Fallert led the Beacons with a match-high 19 kills, including the decisive point in the first set. Teammate Sydney Pelzer, a junior outside hitter, added 10 kills, including one to finish the second set, and she had a well-placed send to open space to clinch the final set.

The clutch performances late helped erase some early momentum built by the Stars (23-6).

“I think there was definitely nerves in it,” said Concordia Academy coach Kim Duis. “Kind of a new group that’s never been in this situation before — in a section final. We had to get the cobwebs off a bit and shake that. We got back into our stride and played well.”

The Beacons (25-6) rely on Fallert and junior setter Brooke Weichbrodt, who had 29 assists Saturday, for veteran leadership. They were each all-state honorees last year and they’ve been counted on to help guide an otherwise inexperienced group.

Holy Angels led early in the first match, but Concordia Academy finished on a 15-4 run to claim the set 25-18.

A 15-4 run in the second set gave the Beacons a healthy lead early, and though the Stars got back within a point, Concordia Academy finished the set strong, winning 25-20 to go up 2-0.

Holy Angels led 5-1 early in final set, but the Beacons battled back, setting up a 16-16 tie before Concordia Academy went on a 4-0 run and the eventual match victory. 

Much of the Stars’ momentum and ability to go on runs came via some hitting and communication errors by the Beacons.

“We didn’t let our mistakes get to us,” Fallert said. “And then we made sure whenever we scored, we would take that and run with it, and try to bring as much momentum to the next play as possible.”

Holy Angels wasn’t able to sustain its momentum during key moments. Lauren Link, a senior outside hitter who made all-state a year ago, had a team-high 11 kills. Teammate Julie Mitchell added seven kills, and setter Rachel Erazmus notched 18 assists. Sydney Gengler had three service aces for Holy Angels.