Ozark sweeps Francis Howell in Class 5 semifinals

CAPE GIRARDEAU – It has become a calling card for the Francis Howell girls volleyball team's postseason run.

Libero Avery Helms dives to the floor, somehow pops the ball up and her team gets a match-changing point.

She did it again late in the third set in Howell's match against Ozark in the Class 5 semifinals at the Show Me Center on Wednesday night. Unfortunately for the Vikings, the point didn't spark another rally as the Tigers were able to complete the sweep 25-21, 25-18, 25-20.

"I think the biggest thing for us is about playing smart and playing clean and playing aggressive, because we don't exactly have the height as a team," Helms said. "I feel like we're on the smaller side, but I feel like we have the skill to win, and obviously that didn't happen tonight, but I think those were our focus points, and that's how we can win games."

Danielle Moore blasted 22 kills for Howell (28-8 overall), No. 2 in the STLhighschoolsports large school rankings. Morgan Dumm and Mia Wilson combined for 33 assists and Helms had 25 digs.

Skylar Hilton had 15 kills and Tara Venable added 12 more for Ozark (38-3). Reece Cook had 35 assists.

Helms' diving play kept hope alive at least momentarily for the Vikings in the third set. Helms made a diving dig that led to an Addison Nieman kill to cut the Ozark lead to 23-20.

"She's a trooper," Howell coach Keith Price said of Helms. "She fights hard. She wants it bad. She wants it for her team, and, you know, she gives her all. And that's the way she is every time she steps on the court, even in practice."

But the Tigers didn't let the energy gained from that play build as Hilton immediately shut the door with consecutive blocks to end the 1 hour, 19-minute match.

"I think that we all worked really hard as a team," Moore said. "I mean, obviously it wasn't the outcome that we wanted, but I think we tried really well. And we try to pick each other up. We'd have a few errors here and there, but, it doesn't take away from how good we've done this whole entire season. We made it here, and it's a huge accomplishment."

Tigers rally

After falling behind 18-12 in the first set, Ozark found its game with a 9-1 run. Venable and Macy Humble each put down a pair of aces as the Tigers took a 21-19 lead.

Howell tied it with kills by Hadley Martin and Moore, but Ozark responded with three straight spikes by Hilton and an ace from Bradie Soloman clinched the opener for the Tigers.

"I think what changed the whole tide was they just started serving really aggressively, and it kind of got us out of rhythm," Price said. "I think that's where the match was won and lost. I think that just with them serving aggressively like that, it kind of changed the tempo for us a little bit."

Strong finish

Ozark broke open a back-and-forth second set with a late push.

Brinley Watson had a pair of kills as did Aubrey Browning. A Humble ace and a Hilton kill help seal the 2-0 lead for the Tigers.

"You have to give those Ozark credit," Price said. "They played incredible defense and they got scoring across the board."

Playoff picture

Ozark will face No. 1 Lafayette (31-5) in the championship match on Thursday at 8 p.m. The Lancers are seeking their third straight and ninth overall state title.

Howell will face Liberty (28-7) in the third-place match on Thursday at 6 p.m.

"It comes down to pride and character and how bad you want it for your team and your leadership," Price said.