Tigers Volleyball Sweeps into Semifinals Before Falling to Odessa

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. — The Lady Tiger volleyball team wrapped up its 2025 season with a strong postseason run, ending with a second-round loss to Odessa in the MSHSAA Class 3 District Tournament on October 23.

Excelsior Springs opened district play on October 21 with a dominant first-round sweep over the Guadalupe Centers Charter School Aztecs, 25-6, 25-6, and 25-3. Senior Jordin Price led the attack with eight kills, followed by senior Lillah Shue with seven. Sophomore Izabella Maxwell and junior Lara Hutton each added two kills. Shue directed the offense with eight assists, while junior Raelyn Kirtley contributed six assists in the win.

In the district semifinals, the Lady Tigers fell in four sets to Odessa, 25-12, 25-16, 21-25, and 25-21. Price once again led the offense with 16 kills, while Shue, juniors Camden McDaniels and Baylie Crowley added four each. Shue also recorded 25 assists. On defense, senior Maya Watkins tallied 15 digs, followed by Shue with 10, junior Maddie Breshears with 9, and Price with 8.

The district loss capped a 19-18-1 season for the Lady Tigers, highlighted by late-season sweeps over Grandview and Raytown South to close out regular-season play.

Against Grandview on October 14, Excelsior Springs swept the Bulldogs in three sets (25-18, 25-14, 25-14). Price led with 15 kills, while Hutton and McDaniels added six each. Shue had 21 assists, Kirtley added 12, and Watkins and Breshears anchored the defense with 12 digs apiece.

The Lady Tigers followed with another sweep over Raytown South (25-17, 25-11, 25-18) on October 16. McDaniels led the offense with 10 kills, and Crowley added 8. Shue posted 20 assists, and Kirtley chipped in 11. Watkins tallied 19 digs to close out the regular season.