The Straughn Lady Tigers were crowned the Class 3A, Area 3 champions Monday night with a win over Luverne in three games 25-12, 25-11, 25-10.

In game one, Luverne got off to an early lead, by which Straughn took a timeout to get focused back in the game.

Focused the Lady Tigers were as their first lead of the game came as Luverne reached over the net to break the tie to 9-8.

Head coach Lori Kinsaul said the team did a good job despite the slow start.

“We don’t practice on Fridays and then (Monday) we were out of school,” Kinsaul said. “I had them come in early so they could hit around. They were a little sluggish (at first), but I knew they would come around and they did so I’m proud of the girls.”

After that, Straughn held onto its lead as Luverne fell flat to claim the first game by 13 points.

In game two, Straughn beefed up its efforts to keep the lead by making sets and kills.

By game three, Straughn had the momentum to finish out the game by dominating Luverne with a 15-point win.

Kinsaul said one of the things that contributed to the win Monday night was the team’s “confidence.”

“The girls are so confident with what they’ve done this year,” she said. “I just think they were confident in what we’ve been doing and they didn’t panic.”

Kinsaul said the girls have been working hard to get where they are today, area champions.

“This year we’ve been working on our hitting and trying to get the girls to hit,” Kinsaul said. “Not dinking when they have a chance to hit and that’s what we’re going to continue to work on. We’ve gotten better with our serve receive and that was a big thing about the middle of the year.

“Kayla (Messer) has gotten more comfortable at her spot when she moved to the middle,” she said. “I think that this has built their confidence. We’ve played some real tough teams this year. I think they’ve gradually gotten better and hope we can continue that on through Saturday.”

The Lady Tigers will play the loser of the Geneva, Wicksburg and Daleville area tournament this Sat., Oct. 18.

The time and place of the tournament is to be determined.

“Whoever it is it’s going to be good competition,” Kinsaul said. “We’re going to work hard this week and see what we can do.”