Mexico volleyball rallied together as a program this season.

The Lady Bulldogs finished the season 12-12 after being swept by Veritas Christian (25-14, 25-19 and 25-17) in the Class 3 District 6 tournament semifinals last Thursday in Winfield. They close the season with their most victories since earning 13 wins in 2001.

“The end of the season is always tough,” head coach Kathryn French said. “We had a strong season this year full of growth, winning three times as many games as last year. I am incredibly proud of what the girls have accomplished this year and the hard work they put into it.”

French, who was in her first-year as a head coach, said Mexico is losing a great senior class that includes Emily Moppin, Addison Paden, Skyler Arnold, Zoey Schutte and Sherlyn Mena Lopez. She said they were a big reason why the program took big steps this season after combining for 16 wins over the past three years.

According to unofficial stats against Veritas Christian, Moppin led with five kills and had three service aces, and Skyler Arnold led with 22 digs and four aces. Jaclynn Cline had five blocks, four kills and three aces.

“The end of a season means saying goodbye to our senior class, which is always filled with tears,” French said. “As we close the door on this season, and look to the next, my hope is to keep building upon our success.”

Mexico earned key victories this season such as two wins over North Central Missouri Conference rival and reigning district champion Fulton after not winning against the Lady Hornets since 2020. The Lady Bulldogs also beat conference foe Kirksville twice in five-set matches after losing twice to the Lady Tigers last year and defeated Montgomery County for the first time since 2009.

“I am mostly impressed with our determination during tough matches, our ability to rally with strong teams and the bonds they forged on and off the court with each other,” French said.