the ( ultimate / skilled ) inventor , the ( beautiful ) genius , ( prn ) the intimidating , ( prn ) with an innocent side , ( prn ) that is filled with confidence / ideas , the augmented ( noun )
THE LIFE, ACCUSATION AND DEATH OF MAHSURI ; Falsehood, Innocence, and What her Curse Meant for Langkawi
POST 1/5 - We explore what's probably been one of my favourite Malaysian folk tales - or should I say, legends - growing up, discussing the reality of the curse she placed on all of Langkawi and the major role her flawless innocence served to play throughout it all.
During the reign of Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah III, in Kampung Mawar, Mukim Ulu Melaka, Langkawi, a married couple by the names of Pandak Mayah and Endak Alang (Cik Alang) were blessed with the arrival of a beautiful daughter, by the name of Mahsuri binti Pandak Mayah.
She grew up with a rich understanding of her culture's beliefs and morals, and was quite different from the rest of her friends and playmates in her younger years, bearing a beautiful face and polite manners. In adulthood, her looks and kind heart only shone through even more, making her the talk of the town amongst practically all of Langkawi, with every man in the island practically clamoring to play the role of her suitor. Eventually, she was married to a young warrior named Wan Derus, the son of Wan Yahya, the village chief.
Around 1803-1843, under the reign of Sultan Abdul Halim Shah II Ibni al-Marhum Sultan Ziyauddin Mukarram Shah, relations between Kedah and Siam (now Thailand) became strained, forcing Wan Derus to leave Langkawi temporarily to fight against Siamese soldiers in Kuala Kedah (according to some sources), leaving a pregnant Mahsuri to live with her parents in his absence. At the time, a traveling poet named Deramang made his rounds to Langkawi, and sought refuge in her parents' home thanks to their courtesy, teaching Mahsuri about poetry during his stay. The two soon became good friends.
His way with words and Mahsuri's reputation invoked the jealousy of Wan Mahura (the village chief's wife). She used the birth of Mahsuri and Wan Derus's child, Wan Hakim, to her advantage to spread rumors and accuse her and Deramang of engaging in an affair. The two were apprehended and punished by Wan Yahya (Mahsuri's now-brother-in-law) and brought to the center of Langkawi at the time, Pulau Matsirat, where they would be executed.
Despite repeatedly begging for mercy, Mahsuri was tied to a tree and stabbed repeatedly with spears, but all of them only fell at her feet. Eventually, believing that only her death would appease them, she resorted to telling them that she could only be killed with her family's sacred keris (a traditional Malay dagger). When she was stabbed, the blood that flowed from her wound was not the usual red, but pure white, signifying her innocence. In the last moments of her life, she made her last stand, and for the injustice they had brought upon the land, she cursed Langkawi for the next seven generations.
One thing I'm not too certain of in my retelling of this story is if whether Wan Yahya is Wan Derus's older brother or son. Some sources I made use of suggest the former rather than the latter, some vice versa, but it doesn't really matter since it doesn't change the story in any way.
It's important to note that the courteous, perfect Mary Sue trope that Mahsuri takes on in the legend plays a significant role in the rumors spread by Wan Mahura. Most versions of the reason behind the treachery, including mine, suggest that Wan Mahura was jealous of Mahsuri's beauty and popularity, while others imply that Wan Yahya initiated it, being enamoured by Mahsuri and wanting to use her husband's absence to his advantage. Nevertheless, Wan Mahura remains the main aggressor of the conflict.
At this point, I'm sure you all are curious about the curse, and let me tell you: the curse does have some elements of truth to it. Soon after Mahsuri's death, Langkawi was attacked by Siam, forcing the villagers to burn their rice fields to take control of the situation, but Siam still managed to conquer, leading to decades of failed crops and constant invasions. The villagers remained under the impression that this was all part of Mahsuri's curse.
It is during the 20th century that the seven generations affected finally came to pass, and since then, Mahsuri's descendants living in Thailand have visited her tomb in Langkawi on occasion.
At the time in which the legend was thought to take place, adultery stood as a sin punishable by death, though themes of polygamy are also present in some versions where Mahsuri is portrayed as Wan Derus's second wife.
Furthermore, the strong beliefs of every citizen of the village and how convinced they were, having been swayed by Wan Mahura's lies, serve to represent patriarchal authority, slander, and injustice present within Malay communities in the past. This point in the story also serves to portray the close connections between citizens in spreading false allegations like wildfire, but the story's conclusion essentially delivers the message that whatever goes around comes around eventually.
Works Cited
kathrynwp. “The Legend of the Mahsuri Curse - Langkawi - Chronically Ill Kat.” Chronically Ill Kat, 18 Apr. 2024, chronicallyillkat.com/2024/04/18/the-legend-of-the-mahsuri-curse-langkawi/. Accessed 29 May 2024.
Workman, Vanessa. “Makam Mahsuri, Mahsuri’s Tomb and Legend in Langkawi, Malaysia.” The Island Drum, 30 Oct. 2019, www.theislanddrum.com/mahsuris-tomb-langkawi/. Accessed 29 May 2024.
Catohrinner Joyce Guri. “Langkawi – the Legend of Mahsuri.” Asian Itinerary, Dec. 2014, asianitinerary.com/langkawi-the-legend-of-mahsuri/. Accessed 29 May 2024.
Shamsuddin, Heidi. "Nusantara: A Sea of Tales." Penguin Books, 2021.
Selepas Qur'an camp beasiswa biman, sepulang dari Indonesia Qur'an Foundation, ada sesuatu yang mengganjal ku. Bukan hanya perasaan rendah dan tertinggal yang sudah menghinggapi bahkan sejak sebelum aku tiba di IQF, ketika melihat kak Hanif di mui yang sedang membuka halaman² tengah Al Qur'an yang katanya sedang murojaah. Disitu aku merasa tertinggal karena aku tahu dulu ketika bersama kak Hanif di TS 3, hafalanku termasuk cepat dan sekarang aku mengingat diriku sendiri yang masih di hafalan terakhir yang kusetorkan di iqf, tidak bertambah. Aku merasa rendah dan tertinggal.
Tapi tidak hanya itu, ada satu lagi perasaan yang mengganjal, yang aku tidak kenali apa. Sesampai di kosan, karena sedang tidak sholat, aku tidur sejenak karena merasa lelah. Tidur dengan tidak nyaman karena mimpi yang tercampur aduk dan bangun tidur bangun tidur. Aku menyadari salah satu ciri ketika aku tidur dengan tidak nyaman adalah adanya mimpi yang sangat terekam jelas ketika aku bangun tidur. Oke, kembali ke perasaan tidak nyaman, di ujung tidur ku, aku akhirnya sadar perasaan tidak nyaman itu ternyata adalah,,, rindu. Melihat IQF, melihat ada beberapa, tidak banyak, bahkan hanya 5 orang, yang dulu bersama ku ketika aku masih jadi santri IQF, melihat orang yang dulu bersama ku di memori lama tersebut, mengobrol bersama kak Isa, kak Hanif, melihat ummi, Atikah, mendatangkan memori tersebut di kepalaku juga perasaan rindu akan masa masa tersebut. Dan juga pertanyaan yang tiba tiba muncul sejak 2 hari mengikuti Qur'an camp ini, "tidakkah baiknya aku ikut asrama Qur'an?", "Tidakkah baiknya aku kembali menjadi santri asrama Qur'an?"
Entah mengapa tiba tiba penjelasan atas rasa berat yang aku rasakan menjadi santri PP RQ adalah karena aku bukan santri mukim, adalah karena aku tidak berasrama, jadi setengah setengah, jadi dapat pembiasaan ber Qur'annya setengah, jadi masih memikirkan dunia, jadinya berat. Aku tidak tahu, aku tidak ingin mengambil sebuah pilihan hanya karena bayang bayang memori lama, karena jika itu aku lakukan maka aku akan kecewa dengan kondisi yang kutemui yang tidak sesuai dengan bayang bayang memori lama tersebut. Atau mungkin sebenarnya aku hanya rindu. Dengan orang orang dari masa lalu tersebut. Dengan momen pada masa lalu tersebut.
Apapun itu aku selalu mengingatkan diriku semoga ini tidak mengganggu segala aktivitasku karena aku lelah terus terbawa dengan perasaan yang kurasakan yang membuat aku tidak fokus pada apa yang seharusnya aku lakukan. Mayah, mari mengakui, menyadari yang kamu rasakan, tapi tidak terlarut di dalamnya, okey?
Chanteuse, auteur et interprète, Mayah est une artiste Parisienne d’origine Sénégalaise qui a su forger son identité au fil des années et de ses différentes expériences.
De ses influences hip-hop/rnb des années 90 avec comme références Mary J.Blige, Whitney Huston ou encore K-Reen, Mayah nous arrive sur le devant de la scène dans un style Pop urbain qui lui va si bien.
Soul, Rap en passant par…
Patterson: Mission complete; Crusaders take sting from 2016 and turn it into title motivation
From left, Wahoo's Kyla Swanson, Morgan Marotz and Kinsley Tingelhoff celebrate a point in set two against Grand Island Central Catholic.
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Wahoo's Lillian Mann, left, and Madilyn Larson attempt to block a ball hit by Grand Island Central Catholic's Avery Kalvoda.
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Wahoo attempts to keep the ball alive in set two.
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Wahoo's Morgan Marotz bumps the ball in the first set.
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Wahoo hoists the trophy after sweeping GICC.
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Omaha Skutt's Rebecca Langel and her teammates celebrate their 3-1 victory over Omaha Duchesne.
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Omaha Skutt celebrates a point in the first set.
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Omaha Skutt's Megan Skovsende and her teammates are presented the championship trophy after defeating Omaha Duchesne in the Class B championship.
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Omaha Duchesne's Mayah Delgado-Walker wipes away tears after losing to Omaha Skutt.
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Omaha Skutt's Rebecca Langel fails to make a dig.
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Millard North celebrates a point in the first set.
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Omaha Marian's Margaret Mullen, left, and Emily Bressman, back-center, celebrate a point.
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Omaha Marian players hoist the trophy after defeating Millard North during the Class A championship.
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Omaha Marian players hoist the championship trophy.
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Omaha Marian celebrates their final point.
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Omaha Marian's Sarah Wing embraces Mary Heim.
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Omaha Marian's Lauren Isenberg tips the ball over the net.
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Omaha Marian's Emily Bressman bumps the ball to pass.
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Millard North's McKenna Ruch delivers a spike against Omaha Marian's Sarah Wing.
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Millard North's Eve Fountain fails to keep the ball alive.
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Left to right, Dalton Nelson, Nick Ferrarini and Nick Morrison cheer on the Mustangs.
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Omaha Duchesne's Megan Smith, center, and Kiersten Capelle, left, leap in celebration.
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Omaha Skutt and Omaha Duchesne play in the Class B championship.
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Omaha Duchesne Academy's Caroline Ortman delivers a hit against Omaha Skutt Catholic in the Class B NSAA State Volleyball Championship at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. Omaha Skutt Catholic defeated Omaha Duchesne Academy 3-1. BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Omaha Skutt Catholic's Lily Heyne (14) bumps the ball alongside teammate Taylor O'Malley (3) against Omaha Duchesne Academy in the Class B NSAA State Volleyball Championship at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. Omaha Skutt Catholic defeated Omaha Duchesne Academy 3-1. BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Creighton men's basketball head coach Greg McDermott looks on while watching his daughter Sydney play for Omaha Skutt Catholic. Omaha Skutt Catholic and Omaha Duchesne Academy play in the Class B NSAA State Volleyball Championship at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. Omaha Skutt Catholic defeated Omaha Duchesne Academy 3-1. BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Omaha Skutt Catholic's Sydney McDermott (24) shot is blocked by Omaha Duchesne Academy's Allison Brown (8) in the Class B NSAA State Volleyball Championship at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. Omaha Skutt Catholic defeated Omaha Duchesne Academy 3-1. BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Grand Island Central Catholic's Allison Kalvoda (9) and Katie Maser (11) look on dejected as they watch Wahoo celebrate in the Class C1 NSAA State Volleyball Championships at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Wahoo's Madilyn Larson (8) and Morgan Marotz (25) embrace in celebration after sweeping Grand Island Central Catholic during the Class C1 NSAA State Volleyball Championships at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Wahoo cheerleaders and students entertain themselves during a timeout against Grand Island Central Catholic during the Class C1 NSAA State Volleyball Championships at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Grand Island Central Catholic's Allison Kalvoda (9), Avery Kalvoda (6), Kate McFarland (5), Katie Maser (11) and Jenna Lowry (2) celebrate a point in the first set against Wahoo during the Class C1 NSAA State Volleyball Championships at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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The Hartington Cedar Catholic student section cheers on the Trojans as they take on the Superior Wildcats. Superior defeated Hartington Cedar Catholic 3-2 to win the class C-2 championship. Superior played Hartington Cedar Catholic in the class C-2 state championship volleyball game at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Lincoln, Nebraska. RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Hartington Cedar Catholic's Anna Reifenrath (3) readies herself at the net. Superior defeated Hartington Cedar Catholic 3-2 to win the class C-2 championship. Superior played Hartington Cedar Catholic in the class C-2 state championship volleyball game at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Lincoln, Nebraska. RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Hartington Cedar Catholic's Anna Reifenrath (3) hits the ball as Superior's Megan Miller (11) defends. Superior defeated Hartington Cedar Catholic 3-2 to win the class C-2 championship. Superior played Hartington Cedar Catholic in the class C-2 state championship volleyball game at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Lincoln, Nebraska. RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Hartington Cedar Catholic's Maddie Wieseler (12) hits the ball as Superior's Nicki Kirchhoff (4) defends. Superior defeated Hartington Cedar Catholic 3-2 to win the class C-2 championship. Superior played Hartington Cedar Catholic in the class C-2 state championship volleyball game at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Lincoln, Nebraska. RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Hartington Cedar Catholic head coach Denae Buss complains to the referee's about a lift. Superior defeated Hartington Cedar Catholic 3-2 to win the class C-2 championship. Superior played Hartington Cedar Catholic in the class C-2 state championship volleyball game at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Lincoln, Nebraska. RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Superior High School junior Trenten Theis shows his patriotic spirit while cheering on the Trojans. Superior defeated Hartington Cedar Catholic 3-2 to win the class C-2 championship. Superior played Hartington Cedar Catholic in the class C-2 state championship volleyball game at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Lincoln, Nebraska. RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Hartington Cedar Catholic's Megan Heimes (5) cheers on her teammates from the bench. Superior defeated Hartington Cedar Catholic 3-2 to win the class C-2 championship. Superior played Hartington Cedar Catholic in the class C-2 state championship volleyball game at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Lincoln, Nebraska. RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Superior's Kalynn Meyer (20) hits between Hartington Cedar Catholic defenders Brianna Miller (10) and Anna Reifenrath (3). Superior defeated Hartington Cedar Catholic 3-2 to win the class C-2 championship. Superior played Hartington Cedar Catholic in the class C-2 state championship volleyball game at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Lincoln, Nebraska. RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Superior's Emma Schnakenberg (14) goes up for a block. Superior defeated Hartington Cedar Catholic 3-2 to win the class C-2 championship. Superior played Hartington Cedar Catholic in the class C-2 state championship volleyball game at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Lincoln, Nebraska. RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Hartington Cedar Catholic's Nicki Kirchhoff (4) digs the ball. Superior defeated Hartington Cedar Catholic 3-2 to win the class C-2 championship. Superior played Hartington Cedar Catholic in the class C-2 state championship volleyball game at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Lincoln, Nebraska. RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Hartington Cedar Catholic's Nicki Kirchhoff (4) sets the ball. Superior defeated Hartington Cedar Catholic 3-2 to win the class C-2 championship. Superior played Hartington Cedar Catholic in the class C-2 state championship volleyball game at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Lincoln, Nebraska. RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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The Superior fans cheer on the Wildcats. Superior defeated Hartington Cedar Catholic 3-2 to win the class C-2 championship. Superior played Hartington Cedar Catholic in the class C-2 state championship volleyball game at the Bob Devaney Sports Center on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, in Lincoln, Nebraska. RYAN SODERLIN/THE WORLD-HERALD
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Superior's Kalynn Meyer (20), a Nebraska commit, digs the ball in the Class C-2 state championship game.
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The Superior volleyball team celebrates winning the Class C-2 state championship.
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Superior's Megan Miller (11) raises her hands in victory after winning the Class C-2 state championship.
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Superior coach Kelsea Blevins hugs Nicki Kirchhoff following Superior's Class C-2 state championship match win.
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Superior coach Kelsea Blevins smiles as she presents Kendra Tietjen (15) with her Class C-2 state championship medal.
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The Superior volleyball team holds their Class C-2 state championship trophy high.
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Johnson-Brock's Jayse Koehler (14), center, leaps in the air as she celebrates with her teammates following winning the Class D-1 state championship.
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Johnson-Brock's Fallon Stutheit (5) and Jayse Koehler (14) battle at the net with Meridian's Erin Johnson (6) in the Class D-1 state championship match.
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Johnson-Brock's Fallon Stutheit (5) serves the ball in the Class D-1 state championship match.
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Meridian's Lauren DeLord (14) celebrates scoring a point against Johnson-Brock in the Class D-1 state championship match.
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Johnson-Brock's Brynn Westenburg (7) and Meridian's Lauren DeLord (14) battle at the net in the Class D-1 state championship match.
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Johnson-Brock's Jayse Koehler (14) passes the ball in the Class D-1 state championship match.
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Johnson-Brock's Fallon Stutheit (5) hits against the Meridian defense in the Class D-1 state championship match.
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Ewing's Tiana Thramer (3), left, has her shot blocked by Exeter-Milligan's Tara Mueller (18) in the Class D-2 state championship match.
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Ewing fans show their support for Ashley Koenig at the D-2 state championship match.
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Exeter-Milligan's Hannah Beethe (8) spikes the ball in the Class D-2 state championship match.
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Ewing's Tiana Thramer (3) digs the ball in the Class D-2 state championship match.
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Exeter-Milligan's Daisy Kanode (10) sets the ball in the D-2 state championship match.
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Ewing's Bailey Schindler (10) serves the ball in the state championship match.
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Exeter-Milligan's Hannah Beethe (8), Katherine White (1), Kate Jansky (2) and Anna Sluka (3) celebrate a point in the state championship match.
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Exeter-Milligan's Hannah Beethe keeps a volley alive in the state title match.
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Exeter-Milligan coach Darcy White talks with her team in the state title match.
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Exeter-Milligan celebrates winning the Class D-2 state championship in three sets over Ewing.