Mustangs earn third shot at Panthers with mind set on changing outcome of first two matches

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Maybe the third time will be the charm for the Mendon Unity volleyball team.

The Mustangs dispatched Liberty 25-20, 24-26, 25-17 in Wednesday night’s Class 1A Camp Point Central Regional semifinals, which sets up an interesting matchup in the championship match.

Unity (25-12) will challenge regional host Camp Point Central (24-7) at 6 p.m. Thursday. The survivor advances to the Hartsburg-Emden sectional semifinals at 6 p.m. Tuesday against either New Berlin or Decatur Unity Christian.

Central has already defeated Unity twice this season, in straight sets on Sept. 7 and  in three sets on Oct. 10.

“We’re capable of playing better than we did tonight,” Unity coach Seth Klusmeyer said. “We realize we need to be crisper against Central. We know Central likes to swing.”

Klusmeyer’s “swing” comment was in reference to Central’s potent front line, anchored by Lauren Miller, who knocked down 11 kills against Brown County in Wednesday night’s other semifinal.

Klusman specifically noted the Mustangs’ passing and defense will have to be sharper in order to offset the Panthers’ advantage near the net.

Unity will need more overall consistency, too.

Several times it appeared Unity was in position to pull away from Liberty (16-17), but was never able to deliver a knockout blow.

“Nobody really wanted to take control of the match,” Klusmeyer said.

Klusmeyer said inconsistency is a problem the team has been battling all season. The Mustangs play a lineup of underclassmen, and that can often mean growing pains.

“We tend to lose our mind at times,” he said. “But hats off to Liberty. They really played well.”

Kodi Duke topped Unity with 16 kills and Saylor Berry knocked down 13 kills and was credited with 13 digs. Jillian Shaffer secured 16 digs and Sadie Shoemaker recorded 10 service points.

Unity is seeking a fourth consecutive regional crown. Liberty had been trying to lock down its first regional title since 2014.

Liberty coach Mike Llewellyn, who took over the program in midseason, is already looking forward to next season.

“This was a great match,” he said. “I think we just lost our focus at times. I think we relaxed and made some errors. We have to clean up some little things (before next year). I told the girls I was very proud of them.”

Maddy Gibbs (11) and Claire Obert (7) combined for 18 kills for Liberty.

One item Llewellyn said must improve next season concerns the Eagles’ lack of success in three-set matches. Six of Liberty’s defeats came in three-set verdicts.