It’s been an exciting volleyball season for the Bernie Lady Mules to say the least. The very talented team has spent hours upon hours working to achieve their goal.

Open gyms and practices began early in the summer for the team. They walked into every practice with one thing on their mind and that was to improve all their skills and make 2012 a winning season.

The Lady Mules’ hard work on the court throughout many months has recently paid off as the team had the experience of a lifetime as they made it to the State Competition this weekend.

Many exciting nights of volleyball soon turned into the team’s dream of making it to the state competition. Many fans have sat through nail-biting games this season, and were tremendously proud to support their hometown Mules this weekend as they competed in more nail-biting action in the Show-Me Center.

There were more than just Bernie Mules there to cheer on the team, though. Many people from the surrounding area came out to support the Mules in their awesome experience.

The Bernie Mules qualified for state competition, made it to the final four, and then competed in the State Championship on Saturday at 3:00 against Winona.

It was an awesome atmosphere to be in as the Bernie Mules took the court for what would be many of the seniors’ last game ever. Each player was announced individually prior to the game.

Fans from both teams packed the bleachers and cheered after every point their team received.

Despite the great talent from the Bernie Mules, they ultimately fell in the championship to Winona in two sets.

Many of the players were upset in knowing that would be their last game to play with their teammates, but coaches and fans knew there was absolutely nothing this team should hang their heads about.

After the championship game, most everyone stayed around to watch the medals being handed out to both teams and also the coaches.

It was an emotional time for the Bernie Mules as they recognized their great accomplishments when they got their hands on that second place trophy. Along with individually getting second place state medals, Bernie head coach, Erin Hoffman, individually hugged each player and gave them a few words.

There shouldn’t be a single person who isn’t proud of this 2012 Bernie Mules volleyball team, as second place in the state of Missouri is an absolute awesome accomplishment!

Congratulations to all the girls on the team!