Boys volleyball: East Ridge turns back Ponies in five games

OAK PARK HEIGHTS — East Ridge finished strong down the stretch to defeat Stillwater 3-2 in an East Conference boys volleyball match on Wednesday, May 22 at Stillwater Area High School.

The Ponies (2-4 EC, 6-13) started well, but they were unable to close out East Ridge, falling by scores of 25-27, 26-24, 13-25, 25-8 and 15-9.

With just two matches remaining, the Ponies likely fell out of contention for one of six spots in the East Conference tournament which will determine the two teams that advance to state.

East Ridge (7-2, 9-8) solidified its position among the leaders in the conference, along with St. Paul Harding (7-0, 9-2), North St. Paul (5-1, 12-5), Tartan (4-2, 5-10) and Park (4-3, 6-5).

It was the second loss in as many five set matches this season for the Ponies, who also lost to Tartan 3-2 on May 2.

John Dieterle led Stillwater in kills (11), blocks (6), digs (5) and aces (3) against the Raptors. Conor Boyum added nine kills and three blocks while Henry Thury totaled seven kills. Mason Warlick totaled four blocks.

Prior to facing the Raptors, Stillwater snapped a four-match losing streak with a 3-0 sweep against Two Rivers on Monday, May at SAHS.

The Ponies won by scores of 25-21, 25-14 and 25-15.

Stillwater dropped a 3-1 decision at home against Park on Thursday, May 16, falling by scores of 25-15, 28-26, 23-25 and 25-17.

The Ponies travel to White Bear Lake for a conference match on Tuesday, May 28 and then close out the season against league leader St. Paul Harding on Thursday, May 30.