By STEPHEN GLOVER

For the Call

The Oakville Senior High School girls’ volleyball team reached the semifinal of the Meramec Tournament at St. Louis Com-munity College-Meramec before dropping a 23-25, 21-25 decision last Saturday to Visitation Academy.

“We got off to a rocky start in the tournament and then got things going,” Oakville head coach Becky Czuppon told the Call. “Once we decided to play, we played good, solid ball.”

The loss for Oakville (10-5-1) marked the second loss to Visitation this season after dropping a 25-20, 16-25, 18-25 decision to the Vivettes on Wednesday, Sept. 7.

“This was the second time that we’ve played them this year,” Czuppon said. “We’re getting closer to getting their number and we’re beginning to learn as to how they do things.”

Three players that the Tiger’s head coach said she believes have made an impact on this year’s team are juniors Emily Austin and Allison Dees, along with senior Jackie Schall.

Austin, the team’s middle hitter, has been having an outstanding season.

“Emily’s just having an outstanding year,” Czuppon said. “Not only is she a threat in the front row, but also in the back on defense.”

Dee’s effort out on the court as the team’s setter has been an impressive factor in the team’s motivation, Czuppon told the Call.

“Allison quarterback’s very well for us,” Czuppon said. “It’s great to have her 110 percent effort because it catches on with everyone else.”

Schall is another strong player for the team, positioned as the outside hitter for Oakville.

“Jackie’s a solid player as well,” Czuppon said. “It’s nice to see that kind of effort on the court.”

The Tigers are back in action today — Sept. 22 — as they travel to Ursuline Academy for a non-conference meeting with the Bears.

“They made it to the semifinals on the other side of the bracket,” Czuppon said. “The key for us is to show up ready to play.”

The Tigers’ game against Ursuline Academy will begin at 4 p.m.