In a commanding performance, the Mineral Area volleyball team swept past Casper College with a decisive three-set victory during the NJCAA Division I volleyball tournament held in Clarksville, Tennessee on March 15, 2024. The Cardinals secured the win with scores of 25-22, 26-24, and 25-22, showcasing their skills and resilience.
Leading the charge was outside hitter Lara Gilardi, who demonstrated why she earned the title of Region 16 Player of the Year. Gilardi delivered an impressive performance, recording 20 kills on 34 attacks for a hitting percentage of .441, along with 13 digs, three blocks, and three assists. Her contributions were particularly crucial as she helped the team fend off a late challenge from Casper, who narrowed a five-point deficit to just one at 22-21 in the second set.
Key Contributions Propel Cardinals Forward
Mineral Area’s victory marks their fifth appearance in the final day of the NJCAA tournament in six tries. With a record of 29 wins and only 3 losses, the Cardinals, who were seeded 14th out of 16 teams, are set to face Eastern Arizona College for ninth place on Saturday morning. A win in this match would represent the program’s second-best finish in its history.
Setter Belen Ferrufino was instrumental in the team’s success, compiling 38 assists along with three kills, six digs, and two aces. Her collaboration with teammate Olivia Shaw on a crucial double block helped secure a tightly contested second set, providing the Cardinals with a strong hold on the match.
Other notable performances came from Gabrielle Damborowiski and middle hitter Sara Pjevic, who contributed 10 kills and 14 digs, and played a key role in five total blocks, respectively. Ava Penuel also shone defensively, leading the match with 17 digs.
Match Highlights and Turning Points
Mineral Area quickly established an early lead in the first set, going ahead 6-2 thanks to two consecutive kills from Damborowiski. Casper fought back with strong plays from their standout player, Peyton Carruth, who finished the match with 14 kills and 13 digs. Despite a spirited effort, Casper struggled with consistency, committing six service errors that hindered their chances.
The second set proved to be a nail-biter. With the score tied at 22-22, the Cardinals seized the momentum, winning four consecutive points to claim the set. Damborowiski’s left-side shot and Gilardi’s ace were pivotal in this stretch, demonstrating the team’s ability to perform under pressure.
Casper’s Emme Mullinax also made significant contributions, tallying 11 kills with only one error in 28 attacks. Despite the loss, the Thunderbirds showed resilience with key plays from players like Aubrey Hackett and Mina Kostic.
The match concluded with Mineral Area’s strong attacking display, out-hitting Casper with a .258 attacking percentage compared to .200. With their sights set on the next match, the Cardinals look to continue their momentum and achieve their highest placement in NJCAA history.
