Fatima’s Lady Comets put together three straight volleyball wins last week, advancing to the Class 2 District 6 championship with a semifinal victory over Hermann, their first win against the Lady Bearcats since 2019. “Beating Hermann was especially exciting,” Coach Ellie Crede said.

The Lady Comets opened the week Monday with a 3-0 victory over New Bloomfield in regular-season action before traveling to Hermann for district tournament play. Fatima defeated Veritas Christian Academy in three sets Tuesday and followed with a 25-17, 25-23, 25-14 victory over Hermann Wednesday to earn a championship meeting with Linn.

Gracie Dickneite recorded nine kills, Addison Lehmen added seven, and Layla Wingrath contributed five as the Lady Comets took the opening two sets 25-16 and 25-19 before completing the sweep.

Dickneite supplied 13 kills against Hermann, with Wingrath adding eight and Lehmen four. Fatima controlled the opening set, faced its toughest challenge in a two-point second set, and finished the match with an 11-point victory in the third.

The successful week came under unusual circumstances for the Fatima program. Crede welcomed her baby last week, requiring her to step away from the sidelines as the Lady Comets entered the postseason.

“Our assistant coaches stepped up in a big way and have done a fantastic job leading the girls through three victories this week,” Crede said. “I am incredibly proud of how everyone has come together, stayed focused, and continued to compete at a high level.”

With the coaching responsibilities temporarily shifting, the Lady Comets maintained their focus and continued building momentum toward the district championship.

“It means a lot to see the girls trust the process and continue to work toward their goals, even with a change in leadership on the sidelines,” Crede said.

Fatima was scheduled to face Linn in the district championship Monday, Oct. 26, at 6 p.m., with the winner advancing to the state tournament.

“We are excited for the opportunity to compete against Linn for the district championship and look forward to seeing what this team can accomplish,” Crede said.