The Steelville High School Volleyball team’s strong season ended on Oct. 24 after falling to Licking in the Class 2 District 8 Tournament Finals at Dixon High School. 

The Lady Cardinals didn’t go down without a fight and pushed number one seed Licking to a tie-breaking fifth set. Steelville won the first set 25-18, fell in the second set 25-9 and won the third set 25-21 to get within one set of the District Championship. But Licking bore down and won the last two sets 25-21 and 15-4 to win the match. 

The Lady Cardinals were the number two seed of the district tournament and had a bye in the first round. Steelville reached the finals after defeating number three seed Conway on Oct. 23 in the semifinals. Steelville was in control throughout the match, winning in straight sets 25-13, 25-21 and 25-10 to advance to the finals. 

Despite the loss, Steelville finished the season with a quality 15-8-4 record and reached the District finals for the first time since 2021. The Lady Cardinals were 9-11-3 last year and 10-15 the year before, showing vast improvement this season under head coach Jill Simily. 

Steelville will lose seniors Elivia Pryor, Aaleigha Decker, Marley Eilert and Peyton Brooks but will have numerous players with varsity experience coming back. The Lady Cardinals will have eight players returning next season, along with standout sophomore Kaylin Gillam and a bevy of younger talented athletes from the 14-3-1 JV team for next year’s team.