A late night thriller in Cape Girardeau as Miller beats Santa Fe in five sets to advance to the class 1 state championship.

Santa Fe had only lost three sets all season before entering the final four, and Miller doubled that by beating the Lady Chiefs 3-2.

Miller jumped out to a fast start winning the first set 25-19. Emberlynn Kingsley was dominant for the Cardinals as she led the team in kills with 13.

However, Santa Fe started to show why they were undefeated in the next two sets. They were led by Bella Limback who had 36 kills for the Lady Chiefs. Santa Fe took both set two and three 25-20.

Miller stayed close with Santa Fe throughout the match, keeping the sets close and giving themselves a chance even when down 2-1. Alli Mitchell had a solid night with 46 assists.

The fourth set went down to the wire as Miller pushed to force a fifth and the finish line was in sight for Santa Fe. The Cardinals would prevail and take set four 25-22.

Entering the fifth all the momentum was with Miller and it showed. The Cardinals jumped out to a lead and never gave it up. They dominated the fifth set and beat the Lady Chiefs 15-8.

Miller’s Claudia Hadlock and Haylie Schnake both had 10 kills for the Cardinals.

Miller will face Gideon on Saturday in the Class 1 state championship match.