Difference makers were going to decide the outcome of this closely contested showdown. One of those difference makers was Kira Fallert of Concordia Academy, ranked No. 4 in the Class 2A coaches’ association poll, who led the Beacons to a 25-17, 21-25, 25-17, 25-17 win over No. 9-2A Holy Angels.

The Beacons’ sophomore has shown a lot of promise, entering the match second in the state in kills with 281. The outside hitter continued showing her stellar form by adding 10 kills against the Stars (18-4, 6-1).

“I’ve gotten a lot more confident as I’ve gotten older, and I was more confident in my skills,” Fallert said. “Our team is also really confident.”

Concordia Academy (20-3, 7-0) coach Kim Duis knows what her team is capable of, stating she knows the Beacons can go far in the postseason if they execute and stick to the fundamentals.

Duis also said her team is far more dangerous when those playing around Fallert are on the top of their game.

“[Fallert’s] a huge offensive threat. The players look to her as a leader, but I think we’re well rounded,” Duis said.

Along with confidence in herself, Fallert said her teammates are a key component to her big season. Her trust and pride in her teammates is equally if not more important in her rapid growth as a player.

Concordia Academy’s young stars are the engine to its machine. Along with Fallert, setter Brooke Weichbrodt contributes heavily to the Beacons’ success.

“My setter is amazing, she always puts up great balls for me and allows me to do whatever I want with them,” Fallert said. “Our defense and passing keeps us alive in rallies.”

Weichbrodt and Fallert had combined for 98 service aces entering Tuesday’s match. Fallert said their efficient serving gives the team another weapon to build leads and come back from behind.

The duo has been on Duis’ team for three years and they continue to show why they were given a chance to shine.

“They both played on high-level junior teams,” Duis said. “So that experience is huge coming in and what they bring to this program.”

Fallert and Duis were excited about defeating the Stars and know they just need to keep it up for a couple more games to claim the conference.

“It helps with the momentum. It’s between us and Hill-Murray and [Holy Angels]. Based on where everyone gets seeded we could see them in a semi-final game, or we could see them in a final game,” Duis said.

Both coaches understood how intense Tuesday’s match would be. Holy Angels coach Tom Emanuel said there was another part of the story missing.

“We have a lot of new girls out there. Sometimes you have to experience [big games] before you can understand it,” Emanuel said. “I think this was a good learning opportunity for us . . .  Knowing what to expect down the road was really important for them. Our hope is that we will get a chance to see [Concordia Academy] again in sections.”