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Morgan Martinson making one of her seven ace hits.

Senior Heidi Jansen started serving for the Bulldogs and got two ace serves right off the bat, which helped Paynesville's hot start. The Bulldogs jumped to a 6-0 lead.

Despite the Bulldogs' efforts, Sauk Centre rallied, and the Dogs fell behind 10-7. Paynesville fought their way back and tied the game at 13-13 but were unable to continue their momentum and lost the first game 15-13.

The second game was tied at 4-4 until the Streeters rallied, leaving the Bulldogs behind as Sauk Centre won this game 15-8. Paynesville's communication level dropped in the second game, as well as their intensity level.

Paynesville came out slowly in the third game, letting Sauk Centre take a lead of 10-4. However, the Bulldogs fought their way back to trail 11-8, only to see the Streeters reel off three more points.

At 14-8, Paynesville received a sideout and gained one point before Sauk Centre took the ball back and scored the final point with an ace hit.

"The Bulldogs never stopped fighting throughout the game," said coach Sheila Mayer. "Sauk was a tough team. The crowd was awesome and one of the largest to watch Bulldog volleyball. This season was one the girls can be proud of."

Sauk Centre went on to win the subsection and the section. On Saturday night, they beat Morris in the Section 6A final and advanced to state for the third straight year. It will be their fourth state trip in all.

Earlier this season, during a conference match, the Bulldogs won a game from the Streeters for the first time in three years.

Junior Morgan Martinson led the Bulldogs with seven ace hits last week. Junior Mindy Meagher and senior Ashley Wall each added five ace hits.

Wall had two ace blocks and senior Missy Bachman had one.

Paynesville--	13	8	9
Sauk Centre--	15	15	15

Individual Statistics
Hitting: Morgan Martinson 25/29 - 7A; Mindy Meagher 18/21 - 5A; Ashley Wall 10/14 - 5A;
Serving: Heidi Jansen 11/11 - 2A; Jen Habben 8/8 - 1A;
Blocks: Wall - 2A; Missy Bachman - 1A;
Assists: Lisa Hemingson 43/44 - 13A; Hannah Braun 44/47 - 5A;
Digs: Sara Lieser 11/11; Habben 5/5.