RAPID CITY – This time the Hamlin Chargers finished what they started.

After a pair of missed opportunities in the Class A State Volleyball Tournament, Hamlin was able to maintain a lead and defeated Parkston 25-23, 25-22, 24-26, 25-18 for seventh place at The Monument Saturday morning.

“It is so good to finally get a win and to just finish it off,” said Hamlin hitter Ally Abraham. “These girls worked so hard today, so for that to pay off is awesome.”

Once again Hamlin got off to a solid start, winning the first two sets against the Trojans.

When Parkston fought back to win the third set breaking a 24-24 tie, it had to bring back fresh memories of Friday’s five-set setback when the Chargers also led 2-0 before coming up short.

“I just said we focus on one point at a time,” said Hamlin coach Ashley Heinrich. “Let’s not worry about the end goal.”

The Chargers lead 16-14 in the fourth and this time found a way to close out the set for the match victory.

Abraham said a big key was communication.

“We just didn’t let the small communication errors or let the nervous errors get in our way,” Abraham said. “We kept strong through the end in the fourth set.”

Abraham said the players on the team got together following Friday’s frustrating setback and wanted to come out strong in their final match of the season.

“We had a team bonding thing (Friday night),’ she said. “We were just like guys, we’re at state, seventh place is still awesome, let’s go get it.”

That determined spirit was evident to Heinrich. She said her team played with a little extra motivation against Parkston.

“I think they were driven. Not that we weren’t before, but obviously coming in you don’t want to go home with last place, so we definitely were focused and ready to go,” Heinrich said. “The girls played pretty well today.”

Abraham powered the squad with 21 kills. Gracelyn Leiseth followed with a dozen.

Hamlin finished the season at 27-8.

The Chargers return a strong roster to build on for the future.

“It’s always sad to see your seniors go, but I’m super excited for the girls to come back next year,” Heinrich said. “We’re young. We’re going to have a strong senior group next year.”

Serving: Hamlin 9 aces (Grace Everson 3, Payton Weelborg 2, Addison Neuendorf 1, Alyssa West 1, Kami Wadsworth 1, Ally Abraham 1); Parkston 6 aces (Faith Oakley 3, Baylee Schoenfelder 2, Mya Nuebel 1).

Hitting: Hamlin 48 kills (Abraham 21, Gracelyn Leiseth 12, Neuendorf 6, Emily Everson 5); Parkston 35 (Nuebel 10, Brielle Bruening 9, Abby Hohn 8, Allison Ziebart 7).

Setting: Hamlin 45 assists (Wadsworth 24, G. Everson 15); Parkston 32 (Oakleyi 28).

Digs: Hamlin 94 (Wadsworth 20, G. Everson 19, West 17, Neuendorf 12); Parkston 96 (Oakley 18, Nuebel 17, Ziebart 17, Kiauna Hargens 13, Bruening 10).

Blocks: Hamlin 14 assists (E. Everson 6, Leiseth 5, Abraham 2, Ava Prouty 1); Parkston 4 solos 6 assists (Nuebel 2 solos, Ziebart 1 solo 2 assists, Bruening 1 solo 1 assist, Hohn 3 assists).

Records: Hamlin 27-8; Parkston 21-17.