After winning the Big 8 conference, Boonville set their sights on the sectional championship.

Working hard by studying their successes and upsets, Boonville prepared for what was to come in Mt. Vernon. The 3A competition this year was tough. Coming off of a winning season last year after going to state, Boonville had some work to do. The team lost five seniors, so this year meant a new mix of players. Trust needed to be built and lots of hard work and time had to be put in.

Beginning play in Mt. Vernon, Thursday shaped up to be just as the team expected. All of the teams are there to win the title, but that did not stop the Lady Pioneers.

The team went into battle the first night against Gibson Southern. The Titans are always tough competitors. Boonville stepped it up and prevailed winning in three games, but not without some battle scars.

On Saturday, Boonville faced Mt. Vernon. The stands were packed and the teams played hard. Again, Boonville won in four games, 23-25, 25-19, 25-11, 25-20.

Boonville anticipated who would be left standing and after suffering a defeat early in the season against Memorial, the team knew they had their work cut out for them. Again, the fans packed the stands to support their teams. Winning in five fierce matches, 30-28, 17-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-9, the Lady Pioneers walked away with a sectioinal win.

One player said, "By the time the last game came around, all we had left was heart."

Boonville goes back into action at regionals in Jasper this Saturday, playing Sullivan at 11:30 a.m.