The 2006 Houston volleyball team had its season ended in the state playoffs by a team using an ineligible player, the school was informed last week.
The Missouri State High School Activities Association ruled that Strafford played with an illegal player when it defeated Houston 25-15, 25-21 in the Class 2 quarterfinals. The victory advanced Strafford to the final four, where it finished third.
Rick Kindhart, MSHSAA assistant executive director, said Strafford would “forfeit some games during the 2006 season for using an ineligible player, including its matches in the state tournament.”
Houston is credited a forfeit win from its quarterfinal match against Strafford, giving the Lady Tigers a 29-4-4 mark instead of 28-5-4. But Houston won’t be given credit for the final four. The spot will be historically vacated, Kindhart said.
Houston coach Debbie James said the ruling offered little solace, especially since it cost the Lady Tigers a trip to the state semifinals.
“That was one of the saddest things I’ve ever been through,” James said.