SIOUX FALLS – Miller got off to the start it wanted Saturday night, but could not apply the finish it was hoping for.

After playing from behind in its first two matches of the Class A State Volleyball Tournament, the Rustlers had an early lead only to fall short against Elk Point-Jefferson 18-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-22 for third place in the tourney at the Premier Center.

Miller was unable to sustain long scoring runs like it had during the course of the regular season.

“We try to limit our unforced errors on our side and leave a server back there for more than one or two serves at a time, and kind of build those points and keep that momentum flowing,” said Miller coach Linda DeBoer. “And it seemed like they had answer for every time that we were starting to do that.”

The Huskies, on the other hand, were able to produce such a run to take control in the final set. Trailing 11-6, EPJ reeled off nine consecutive points for a 15-11 lead. Miller eventually tied the score at 21-21 but was unable to get over the hump.

“I think when we started to get motivated and come on a run, it was just too far gone,” said Miller senior Tricia Lammers, “and we just couldn’t get our runs at the beginning.”

She thought the team lacked a bit of aggressiveness against the Huskies during the contest.

“I think we were almost too calm, because everyone was like you have to be calm and don’t let it all get to you,” Lammers said, “and we were just like not letting the adrenaline carry us through the match.”

The Rustlers, who started the tourney with their first five-set match of the season which likely took a toll over the three-day event, did not exhibit the same energy they had played with throughout the season.

“We didn’t have as good of positive attitudes and energy as we are used to,” said Miller’s Jaden Werdel, “so I feel like we didn’t execute what we were meant to execute.”

Werdel still led the squad with 14 kills.

When asked about what she will remember most about her playing days with the Rustlers, the senior noted how the team rallied around each other and the positive energy it had.

“We’re a really positive team,” Werdel said. “We know that if we make a mistake, we’re always going to come back. We’re always there to support each other.”

Like Werdel, Lammers said the team was like a big family.

“We just have a really good bond,” Lammers said, “and I’m just going to cherish that forever.”

Despite the setback, Miller still finished with a stellar 33-4 record and made yet another trip to the state tournament.

“These girls have had an exceptional season. I’m so proud that Miller was back at state tournament,” DeBoer said. “There’s a lot of talent standing here and lot of leadership that we’re going to miss next year with these seniors being gone, but you know, tradition never graduates. We keep reappearing here, back every once in a while. So hopefully, we can get another streak going and continue to be here.”

Serving: Miller 4 aces (Jolie Palmer 4); Elk Point-Jefferson 6 aces (Alyssa Chytka 3, Sophia Giorgio 2).

Hitting: Miller 39 kills (Jaden Werdel 14, Tricia Lammers 9, Ally Mullaney 7); Elk Point-Jefferson 41 kills (Danica Torrez 12, Natalie Heuertz 10, Josie Curry 8, Bentlee Kollbaum 7).

Setting: Miller 38 assists (Tyra Gates 36); Elk Point-Jefferson 39 assists (Giorgio 38).

Digs: Miller 74 (Palmer 25, Gates 16, Journey Palmer 11, Werdel 9); Elk Point-Jefferson 87 (Chytka 27, Torrez 13, Hannah Nearman 13, Curry 12).

Blocks: Miller 3 solo 14 assists (Abigail Blake 1 solo 4 assists, Aleah Schlechter 1 solo 3 assists, Mullaney 3 assists, Werdel 2 assists); Elk Point-Jefferson 2 solo 16 assists (Heuertz 1 solo 5 assists, 1 solo 3 assists, Ashley Brewer 6 assists).

Records: Miller 33-4; Elk Point-Jefferson 26-10.