While it’s never easy for any competitor or team to fall short of the goals they’ve set for themselves, it doesn’t mean that a season-ending loss is a complete negative. Despite falling short of earning their way into the state championship match, the members of the Pella Christian volleyball team – particularly the squad’s underclassmen – will hopefully still take away a great deal from the experience.

Lady Eagles’ Head Coach John Evenhouse says he hopes the setback can serve as motivation for the team’s returning players, but also wants the girls to have enjoyed their time in Cedar Rapids.

“You hope that says, ‘Ok, I’m going to work hard this spring. I’m going to work hard next summer, and I’m going to get myself ready for the next volleyball season.’ So you hope it’s a real motivator,” said Evenhouse. “You hope also that they just enjoyed the experience and said, ‘It was great being around a bunch of other nice gals, and I got to meet some new friends.’ All-in-all it’s just a great experience.”

Pella Christian’s season was ended Thursday night by Lake Mills, who defeated the Lady Eagles three games to none in the State Quarterfinals. Pella Christian graduates five seniors from this year’s squad, which finished with an overall mark of 26-12.