HURON — The Flandreau Fliers were unable to keep up with the Rustlers at the Huron Arena on Tuesday. Miller won by scores of 25-17, 25-17 and 25-12 in the sweep.
“Tonight was tough,” said Flandreau head coach Julia Fargen. “Unfortunately, we struggled with our passing which didn’t give us a chance to run our offense. If we could have gotten that going, I think the outcome could have been different.”
Despite the loss, Fargen said this was a successful season for the Fliers who finished with a record of 18-10.
“Earning a chance to play in the SoDak 16 was a dream this team has been working for over the past two seasons. This has been the same group for two years and we worked hard to get to tonight,” Fargen said.

Abby Schoeberl led the Fliers with 27 assists and 11 digs. Claire Sheppard had nine kills and Lizzie Pavlis had seven kills. Lily Klein had nine digs and seven kills. Sadie Iott had nine digs and Addy Hammer had nine digs.
Flandreau has six seniors in Schoeberl, Sheppard, Klein, Pavlis, Clara Kelm and Hayden Neises. Fargen said getting to the SoDak 16 was a product of the senior class and she is going to miss them a lot.
“It’s hard to put into words how much I’m going to miss this senior group. Besides being comprised of some of the most talented athletes and hardest hitters in South Dakota volleyball, they have had a work ethic that is unmatched. They will be greatly missed,” Fargen said.
Flandreau had won six of its past seven matches going into Tuesday night’s match, including wins over Florence/Henry and Hamlin in the Class 2A Region Tournament. Fargen said she thinks this is a season that could jump start some success for Flandreau volleyball.
“I think this chance at the SoDak 16 showed Flandreau that our volleyball program is here, and we will continue to build and work towards even more success in future seasons. It’s just the beginning,” Fargen said.
Miller advanced to the Class A State Tournament in Rapid City this weekend and will be the No. 3 seed and will play No. 6 Wagner in the first round on Nov. 16.