Volleyball: Tigers improve despite injuries

Mia Johnston all-conference setter (photo by Jim Lindquist)

The Tigers doubled their win total from a year ago despite a constant barrage of injuries to key players.

Farmington finished 14-15 overall, reached the section quarterfinals and placed sixth in the final Missota Conference standings.

"This was a great season for dealing with adversity," coach Mike Woody said. "We did very well considering all of the injuries."

Fifteen players, ranging from seniors to eighth-graders, earned varsity letters for their conrbutions to the 2012 season.

Eight of the letterwinners were seniors, including Rachel Eckert, Emily Nelson, Kelsey Lindell, Elissa Baago, Kayla Collins, Mia Johnston, Courtney Johnston and Kayle Seurer.

Underclassmen receiving letters included juniors Lexi Wenskaug, Morgan Cecchettini, Ruthanne Schmitt and Diana Comes; sophomore Summer Skokan and eighth-graders Emma Fahning and McKenzie Hesse.

Johnston who led the team in set assists (274) and serve percentage (.984) made the all-Missota Conference team and Seurer, the team's leading blocker with 115, received all-league honorable mention.

Fahning topped the statistical charts in kills ( 187) and digs (271) while Eckert led in serve receptions with 479.  

With seven letterwinners slated to return next fall, Woody said he is excited about his team's outlook for the future.

Kaylene Seurer all-conference honorable mention (photo by Jim Lindquist)

"Despite graduating so many seniors, I expect to have a winning season next year," he said. "I'm looking for lots of work in the weight room and on the court over the off-season."

As for the eight graduating seniors, Woody said they will be missed.

"What a great group of young ladies," he said. "They were fun, they worked hard and they made every day fun for me."