WATERTOWN – Aberdeen Roncalli drew a tough assignment for the Class A SoDak 16 round Thursday evening and fell in straight sets to third-rated Dakota Valley, ending the Cavaliers’ bid for a trip to the state volleyball tournament.

The Panthers return to the state tournament for the 10th time in the last 12 seasons, winning Thursday’s contest by set scores of 25-21, 25-18 and 25-18.

Roncalli coach Mandy Smid said the match had an “aggressive” feel to it, which led to competitive play all around.

“It was a great environment to play in,” Smid said. “We stayed aggressive all night and fought right up until the finish.”

That effort led to a balanced stat sheet for the Cavaliers. McKenna O’Keefe finished with nine kills and 10 digs, while Jaidyn Feickert finished with seven kills and another 10 digs. Camryn Bain tallied 15 digs and one of two Roncalli aces from the service line. Maddie Huber finished with 14 assists and was in on three blocks at the net.

“I’m proud of the way the girls grew this year and put all the pieces together at the right time,” Smid said. “Dakota Valley pushed us to a faster tempo than we have seen recently. The girls handled it well and fired back. Our seniors and juniors led the fight all night, just as they have all season.”

Roncalli, which was last in the state tournament in 2018, ends its season at 20-6 overall. The final three losses – including Tuesday’s – came to squads that will play in either the Class A or Class B state tournaments, which begin Nov. 16 in Rapid City.

Dakota Valley will be the seventh seed at the State A tourney and take on Rapid City Christian in the opening round.

Serving: Aberdeen Roncalli 55-59 2 aces (Faith Danielson 10-10 1 ace, Camryn Bain 11-12 1 ace).

Hitting: Aberdeen Roncalli 98-112 30 kills (McKenna O’Keefe 17-18 9 kills, Jaidyn Feickert 21-24 7 kills).

Setting: Aberdeen Roncalli 105-105 24 assists (Maddie Huber 38-38 14 assists, Danielson 45-45 6 assists).

Digs: Aberdeen Roncalli 54 (Bain 15, Feickert 10, O’Keefe 10).

Blocks: Aberdeen Roncalli 3 solo 6 assists (Ava Hanson 1 solo 2 assists, Huber 1 solo 2 assists).

Records: Dakota Valley 19-10; Aberdeen Roncalli 20-6.