Fashingbauer leads Mustangs to sectional final

Updated: May 27, 2011 10:07PM

St. Rita coach Kathleen Mixan believes her team may be peaking at just the right time.

The Mustangs downed Morton 25-21, 28-26 Friday in the semifinals of the Reavis Sectional.

“It was a test of wills to win that game,’’ Mixan said. “For the first time this season, they looked like they really wanted it. They showed that pride and passion that I’ve been looking for. Maybe they will finally realize that they can beat anybody if they want it.’’

The Mustangs (21-17) led 16-11 in the second game before Morton (20-16) edged back and eventually tied it at 22. From that point, the game saw six lead changes or ties. The Mustangs were down 26-25 before reeling off three straight points to win the match.

Joe Fashingbauer played a big part in the final push. The senior outside hitter is also a setter and played that role at the end by feeding Joe Biros for two kills, including the match-winning point. The other point came off an unforced error by Morton.

“(Morton’s) cheering section really got me fired up,’’ Fashingbauer said. “I don’t like when they talk trash like that. We just had to keep our heads down the stretch.’’

Fashingbauer had 12 assists, six kills and three aces. Fashingbauer and sophomore setter Thomas McDermott fed Bobby Gallagher (three aces) for eight kills. Biros also had eight kills.

“I play outside hitter for my club team,’’ Fashingbauer said. “It gets me more excited to be able to hit.’’

The Mustangs meet Riverside-Brookfield, a 25-20, 16-25, 25-18 winner over host Reavis, for the sectional title.

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