Linn’s Lady Wildcats continued their strong postseason play Wednesday, Oct. 21, sweeping Montgomery County 25-18, 25-14, 25-16 in the Class 2 District 6 semifinals to earn a championship rematch with Fatima.

Linn delivered another impressive offensive performance, recording 40 kills with a 35% kill percentage and a 23% hitting percentage. Kylie Goans led the attack with 16 kills and a 51% kill percentage, while Carley Brandt added seven kills at 46%. Nicole Grellner directed the offense with 26 assists.

The Lady Wildcats also received solid defensive contributions, finishing with 57 digs and three blocks. Goans led the back row with 18 digs, followed by Jorja Kempker with 13. Brandt, Nevaeh Ames, and Grellner each recorded a block.

Linn coach Megan Russell credited her team’s defensive coverage for limiting Montgomery County’s effectiveness at the net.

“Montgomery County was tipping quite a bit to us and our back row provided the backup our blockers needed,” Russell said.

Serving was the lone statistical concern for the Lady Wildcats. Although Ali Russell and Lexy Strong each recorded three aces, Linn committed 10 service errors and finished with an 86% serving percentage, below the team’s established 90% standard.

Despite that shortcoming, Russell was pleased with the overall performance and the composure her players demonstrated in the semifinal.

“We stayed focused, played with confidence, and trusted each other in the big moments,” Russell said. “At this point of the season, it is exciting to see all of their hard work paying off.”

Russell also emphasized the versatility that has allowed Linn to make adjustments throughout the season.

“Our depth on this team is incredible,” she said. “Every single player is contributing in multiple categories.”

The Lady Wildcats have modified both their offensive and defensive approaches as the season progressed, developing a quicker tempo and a more aggressive style of play. Russell believes those adjustments could be important when Linn faces Fatima for the district title.

“I am very excited for this rematch against Fatima as I think our changes will make a big difference in this game,” Russell said.

The championship appearance marks Linn’s second consecutive trip to the district final. The Lady Wildcats reached the title match last season but fell to Hermann, making Monday’s opportunity particularly meaningful for a team that established its postseason goals before the season began.

Linn will face Fatima on Monday, Oct. 26, with both teams seeking the district championship and a berth in the state tournament.

“We know we will need to bring our best volleyball, stay disciplined, and continue to play as a team,” Russell said. “This group has put in a tremendous amount of work to get to this point of the season.”