In a commanding performance, the top-seeded Harrisburg volleyball team defeated eighth-seeded Mitchell in the Class AA state quarterfinals on March 14, 2024. The three-time defending champions showcased their skill and dominance with a decisive three-set victory at Summit Arena, winning with scores of 25-8, 25-9, and 25-18. This win marks Harrisburg’s 90th consecutive victory against Class AA opponents and their 95th straight win over teams from South Dakota.
Following this impressive match, the Harrisburg Tigers, who now hold a record of 33-2, are set to face fifth-seeded Watertown in the semifinals. Watertown advanced after a challenging five-set match against Sioux Falls Lincoln. Meanwhile, Mitchell, who now has a record of 16-9, will compete against Sioux Falls Lincoln in the consolation bracket on March 15, 2024.
Harrisburg head coach Ronette Costain expressed satisfaction with her team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of setting the right tone for the tournament. “You set the tone for the whole tournament, just your mental approach, your physical approach, everything that goes with it,” Costain stated. “I thought our kids did a great job of coming out and executing.”
Mitchell’s coach, Deb Thill, acknowledged the challenge posed by Harrisburg, highlighting their minimal error rate. “Harrisburg obviously came out on fire. They don’t make many mistakes,” she said. Thill noted that her team needed to focus on their strengths amidst the pressure.
The match featured standout performances, particularly from Gabi Zachariasen, who dominated the court with 19 kills, four service aces, and seven digs. Her contributions were pivotal in establishing a commanding 16-4 lead early in the first set. Josalyn Samuels also played a crucial role, providing 30 assists, while Bergen Stiff and Lindsay Langner added seven kills and three service aces, respectively.
Despite Harrisburg’s strong showing, Mitchell’s defense had its moments, achieving a 7-3 advantage in blocks. Kenzie Hetland led the way with four total blocks and was supported by Kenna Soulek, who recorded five digs and two aces. The match also saw the varsity debut of eighth-grader CeCe Morgan, who contributed with a kill and a block assist.
Thill reflected on the experience, noting that many other teams would aspire to be in Mitchell’s position, even in defeat. “There were 12 other Class AA schools that would love to be getting beat by Harrisburg at this point,” she remarked. Looking ahead, she encouraged her players to learn from the match and maintain a positive mindset as they prepare for their next game.
As the tournament progresses, Harrisburg continues to demonstrate why they are considered one of the top teams in the nation, currently ranked ninth by USA Today. With three players committed to Division I programs—Zachariasen to South Dakota, Stiff to Harvard, and Langner to Winthrop—Harrisburg’s future looks bright as they aim for another state title.
