FULTON | Last year's Class A regional semifinal five-game loss was heartbreaking for Washington Twp. girls volleyball coach Scott Campbell.

Saturday's 26-24, 25-22, 25-17 Caston Regional semifinal defeat against Pioneer felt somewhat different.

"Our youth caught up with us," said Campbell, whose 2009 squad includes eight underclassmen. "That inexperience hurt us."

Most of this year's team watched from the bench or bleachers as Elkhart Christian edged Washington Twp in 2008. A year later, a fair share of them were on the court.

"It's a totally different thing when you step between the lines," Campbell said.

Even though Campbell said that serve-receive hadn't been a problem this season, a lack of execution in that area cost the Senators dearly. The problem was especially troubling in the second game.

The Senators led 9-6, then Panthers freshman Kattie Lee wreaked havoc behind the service line. She served seven straight aces to give Pioneer the lead for good.

"We had some game film on them and noticed that they had some ball control issues," Panthers coach Rod Nies said of the Senators. "We attacked that."

Senior Brandi Allen, the reigning Porter County Conference MVP, and twin sister Sam graduate, but several quality underclassmen. Sophomore Vicky Flanders had a team-high 10 kills while classmates Raegan Werner (six kills) and Lauren Chambers (2 aces, 2 block kills) chipped in..

"Vicky was the only one that was really effective," Campbell said.

"I told the girls that we should take something positive from this. This is a learning experience."

Five-time defending state champion M.C. Marquette was sluggish at times, but the Blazers responded when they needed to in a 25-19, 25-19, 25-12 semifinal win over Elkhart Christian.

"We just we're not sharp," said Marquette coach Troy Campbell, Scott's brother. "Once we were able to hit our serves and play inside and out, we were ready to go."

Ashley Edmond led the Blazers with 17 kills and three aces. Marquette (32-6) beat Pioneer 25-16, 25-19, 25-8 to win the regional title.

Girls Volleyball

Class A Caston Regional

Championship

M.C. Marquette 25-25-25, Pioneer 16-19-8

The Blazers won their 13th straight regional.

Semifinals

Pioneer 26-25-25, Washington Twp. 24-22-17

M.C. Marquette 25-25-25, Elkhart Christian 19-19-12