SIOUX FALLS – One day after facing eventual State A champion Dell Rapids, Hamlin took on previous seven-time state champion Sioux Falls Christian on Saturday night.

In a battle of Chargers, Hamlin fell to SFC 25-10, 25-17, 25-21 in the third-place match of the Class A State Volleyball Tournament at the Sanford Premier Center.

Despite the setback, players from Hamlin proved they could compete against the state’s elite programs.

“I know we lost, but oddly enough feels like more like kind of like a win. I mean we hung with them, but I know the first set was a little ugly,” said Hamlin coach Ashley Heinrich. “The last set, we were right there. We had an opportunity. I think they played much more relaxed and calm. Our style of volleyball.”

In the first set, Sioux Falls Christian had Hamlin’s number at the service line recording five aces in the victory.

“Obviously they got a few aces on us right away in the beginning,” Heinrich said. “But overall, that kind of got better.”

Hamlin only gave up four aces combined the rest of the match.

Hamlin used Friday night’s loss to Dell Rapids to help it compete against SFC.

“You don’t see a lot of that type of play during your regular season. It takes you a little bit to get into that momentum,” Heinrich said. “Yeah, I think playing Dells helped us know that we can at least hang with these teams.”

When facing tough teams, sometimes you need to have a short memory.

“We just kind of had to forget about what happened yesterday. New start, new game,” said Hamlin junior Addison Neuendorf. “So, we knew that if we came out and played our game, we could give them a run.”

Following a tough opening set, Hamlin gained traction and held its down against one of the state’s perennial powers.

“After the first set, we regrouped. We knew that we could hang with them, and so we came back again,” said Hamlin senior Addie Steffensen. “Once we found the momentum, that led us to a close couple sets.”

Addie Steffensen was one of three Steffensens that transferred to Hamlin this past year.

“Obviously, adding the Steffensens was a big help for us,” Neuendorf said, “so I’m super grateful that they decided to come to Hamlin.”

Hamlin jumped in front to start the third set and held the advantage until midway through the set.

“When you have nothing to lose, and this is the last game regardless, I think you finally just say that we’re just going to go out and do what we need to do,” said Heinrich. “Obviously, they helped us out a little bit. They made some of their own errors, but I think ultimately we were kind of controlling ourselves, controlling our destiny a little bit more. Again, that’s really all I could ask of them.”

Neuendorf had six kills in the final set to help keep Hamlin within striking distance.

“Just finding the open spot. Knowing that we need to go now, otherwise our chance is going to be over, because it is the third set,” Neuendorf said. “Just kind of knowing that hey, we gotta go now if we want to continue this match.”

Heinrich was satisfied with her team’s season, that included only three setbacks.

“We ended our season 25-3. Yes, two of our losses came in the tournament, but we were top four, and playing with teams that are, I mean Sioux Falls Chrisian is like what, seven state championships in a row,” Heinrich said. “Our other two losses are to a … state champion this year. I don’t think you can look at our season and say that anything bad happened.”

Steffensen closed out her career as a Hamlin Charger with gratitude.

“A bunch of emotions. Very grateful. These girls are definitely some of the best people I’ve ever got to play with, on the court and off the court,” said Steffensen. “So that’s the biggest blessing, and obviously very sad it’s over, but glad I got to spend time with them.”

Heinrich was proud of her players and their unselfish attitudes.

“I wouldn’t trade this group for the world. They are so good. They celebrate each other’s wins more than they celebrate their own,” Heinrich said. “I mean honestly, they were awesome to coach.”

Moving forward, Heinrich feels good going into next season, hoping to make another run at the State Tournament.

“I’m optimistic. I mean we have a lot of returning girls. I think we have younger girls that are on the bench that really didn’t get as much opportunity to play this year, but are going to be big role players next year,” said Heinrich. “I’m going to say it now, I’m hoping for a return to the state tournament.”

Serving: Hamlin 2 aces (Addison Neuendorf 1, Issie Steffensen 1); Sioux Falls Christian 9 aces (Chloe Bosma 2, Brietta Tims 2, Addisen Barber 2, Jasmine VanderHaar 2).

Hitting: Hamlin 27 kills (Neuendorf 12, Addie Steffensen 8, Jo Steffensen 3, Addelyn Jensen 3); Sioux Falls Christian 46 kills (Tims 11, Camdyn Mulder 10, Rachel Dieleman 9).

Setting: Hamlin 25 assists (I. Steffensen 22); SFC 43 assists (Barber 35).

Digs: Hamlin 58 (A. Steffensen 12, Neuendorf 11, I. Steffensen 10); Sioux Falls Christian 72 (Bosma 23, Tims 14, Aubrie VanBeek 10).

Blocks: Hamlin 6 assists (Jensen 3, A. Steffensen 2, Kayde Nebel 1); Sioux Falls Christian 2 solo 10 assists (Barber 1 solo 1 assist, Jayla Overman 1 solo 1 assist, Dieleman 4 assists, Tims 3 assists).

Records: Hamlin 25-3; Sioux Falls Christian 27-13.