This is the 4th year of the "Battle for the Paddle", this year at Crown College. The winner of this epic battle wins the MCAA conference title in Volleyball, at least that is the way it has worked out. It is actually just the final regular season game and Meadow Creek and Southwest Christian have shown up each year with no losses. Southwest won the first and last battle with Meadow Creek winning the 2nd. Meadow Creek went to state the first year and Southwest went to state last year. Let the battle begin!

The first game SW takes an early lead, something they accomplish in each game of the set. Meadow Creek had brought a bus load of fans down to the game along with their former coach and players of years past. SW being home, had a huge number of students show up for the game. The place was loud! Meadow Creek slowly creepd back into the game and took the lead by 8. Meadow Creek kept pounding the ball and SW kept answering but eventually wore down with Meadow Creek taking the first game 25-18.

In the second game again Meadow Creek had to overcome SW's early lead. This time, this game however set the tone for the match as Meadow Creek blew past them and won decisevly 25-14. The paddle seemed as if it would find its way back to Andover.

The third game was back and forth the whole way. Tied at 19, Meadow Creek called a time out and took the next 2 points. SW used a time out and clawed back to being down one at 23-22. Meadow Creek had two amazing kills to end the game completing the sweep. SW had brought a canoe and the Meadow Creek fans padled it out onto the court. Then they rushed the team and swarmed them on the bench. The paddle is back at the Creek! Way to go Lady Saints!

Both teams joined hands at the net after the game giving thanks to the Lord!

Which team is heading to state? Bring on sections and stay tuned.

Joel Friday