St. Pius X is one win away from repeating as the Class 4 state volleyball champion.
The Lancers improved to 26-5 this season by beating Webb City (25-11) 25-20, 25-14, 18-25, 25-23 in the semifinals tonight (Nov. 5) at the Civic Arena in St. Joseph. St. Michael the Archangel (31-7) beat Hannibal (28-10-1) 25-13, 23-25, 25-23, 26-24 in the other semifinal.
St. Pius and St. Michael meet Thursday at 8 p.m. in the state final. The Lancers won Class 2 state crowns in 2011, 2016-2017 and Class 4 in 2024. This is the fifth trip to the final four for the Guardians, who’ve yet to win a state title.
Senior middle blocker Bennett Raterman (30/28) and junior outside hitter Kate Sherry (29/25) led St. Pius in points and kills against the Cardinals; Sherry was the leader in digs (15). According to the Missouri State High School Activities Association record book, Lancer senior setter Elena Ruble has two of the top three single-game assist records in the championship round. Ruble had 59 against Jefferson City in 2023 and 56 against Webb City, including the match-winner to Sherry. Samantha Loida of Valle Catholic set the record of 67 in 2020.