PARK HILLS – The Mineral Area volleyball team delivered a commanding performance against Iowa Western, winning in straight sets to clinch their sixth appearance in the NJCAA Tournament. The match took place on November 9, 2025, at Sechrest Fieldhouse, where the Cardinals avenged a previous loss to the Reivers.
This victory marked a significant achievement for the Cardinals, who triumphed with scores of 25-14, 25-20, and 25-12. Head coach Tim Copeland praised his team”s growth over the season, emphasizing their resilience and determination. “If you”re losing, it”s OK and you just have to keep fighting through it,” Copeland stated. “The girls wanted revenge and to go to the national tournament.”
With this win, the 15th-ranked Cardinals secured an automatic berth as the Midwest B District champions. They awaited the announcement of their bracket seed and first-round opponent later that week. The team showcased impressive teamwork, achieving a remarkable .420 attacking percentage, with standout performances from outside hitters Lara Gilardi and Gabrielle Damborowiski.
Gilardi, named the Region 16 Player of the Year, led the charge with 14 kills, nine digs, three blocks, and three service aces. “This game was more about revenge. Everyone”s heads were into it,” she said after leading a celebratory lap with the championship plaque. Damborowiski contributed significantly as well, tallying 13 kills, three blocks, and seven digs. Setter Belen Ferrufino also played a crucial role with 28 assists, showcasing her skill with nine digs and three kills.
Defensively, Ava Penuel excelled as libero, recording 15 digs, five assists, and two aces while limiting Iowa Western”s hitting efficiency to .071. “We had to go through that adversity, but we focus on putting each other first,” Penuel explained, reflecting on her transition from setter to libero.
Despite Iowa Western”s team-high eight kills from Kendall Picolet, they struggled with nine errors, making it unlikely for them to receive an at-large selection for the NJCAA Tournament. The Cardinals started strong, with Damborowiski firing off a powerful kill, setting a confident tone for the match.
In the second set, the Cardinals maintained their momentum, capitalizing on errors from Iowa Western to establish a solid lead. The third set saw them surge ahead decisively, with Penuel”s aces and a double block by Gilardi and Sara Pjevic extending their advantage.
Ultimately, the match concluded with a strong display of teamwork and skill, as the Cardinals finished with a disparity of 43-25 in kills. “What I have here with this team, I may never have anywhere else,” Gilardi remarked, highlighting the strong chemistry among teammates.
In a preceding district semifinal match, Mineral Area also triumphed over Vincennes with a score of 25-10, 25-9, 25-27, 25-16, showcasing their dominance throughout the tournament. The Cardinals” successful season, characterized by adaptability and teamwork, sets them up for a promising run in the upcoming national tournament.
