Hillsboro, Marion state-ranked
Staff writers
Although county teams didn’t win their latest tournaments, Hillsboro vaulted to No. 1 and Marion to No. 8 in the in Class 2A according to MaxPreps sports site.
Centre
Sixth-seeded Centre finished 1-2 in pool play at its own tournament.
The Cougars lost to Berean Academy and Herington in straight sets. They defeated seventh-seeded Wichita Classical 25-17 and 25-22.
Goessel
At Goessel’s invitational, the Bluebirds sailed through pool play with a 3-0 record.
Goessel defeated Canton-Galva on Saturday after losing to the same team Sept. 6.
Goessel then beat Moundridge in two sets and dominated Burrton.
The Bluebirds lost a tough battle 25-17, 25-19 with Hutchinson Central Christian.
Playing for third place, Goessel faced Moundridge for the second time in the same day. The Wildcats jumped ahead 6-0, but the Bluebirds scratched their way back, tying at 22-22.
Moundridge took the first set 27-25. Goessel led by 10 in the second and won 25-18.
In the third set, the Bluebirds took an early 10-3 lead only to see the advantage evaporate. Goessel lost the third set 25-19.
The Bluebirds took fourth in their eight-team tournament.
Goessel is now 4-5 for the season and 1-1 in Wheat State League standings.
Hillsboro
After defeating Cheney and Hesston on Sept. 7, Hillsboro stomped its way into Southeast of Saline to finish Saturday’s tournament 4-1.
“The Cheney match was a good contest for us because Cheney has traditionally had an excellent program. This year is no different as they were a pre-season No. 3 pick in 3A,” coach Sandy Arnold said.
Hillsboro currently is ranked No. 1 in 2A.
“We are still putting pieces together and learning new things about our team that we can work on to make us better,” Arnold said.
Junior Zaylee Werth averaged 4.7 kills per set. Senior Kori Arnold has 18 serving aces for the season, averaging 1.2 aces per set and 4.4 digs per set.
Hillsboro traveled to Smoky Valley on Tuesday for a triangular with Smoky Valley and Lyons.
Marion
Marion brought home a second-place finish in the Centre tournament Saturday.
In pool play, Marion went undefeated, beating Little River, which had been undefeated coming into the tournament.
“I am very proud of our team” coach Kris Burkholder said. “The girls played together and we played very well today.”
Marion finished the tournament 4-1, making it to the championship game, where the Warriors faced a revengeful Little River team.
“We defeated Little River in pool play, ending their winning streak. However, we fell short in the championship game against them,” Burkholder said. “Our passing and serve receive was consistent the entire day, and we stayed aggressive, swinging hard.”
Marion holds a 9-3 season record, a 75% winning ratio.
Peabody
Coming off a Sept. 6 loss against Solomon and Canton-Galva, Peabody finished with a 2-3 record Saturday in a tournament at Solomon.
“I think we will surprise some teams this season,” coach Rachel Winter said. “We are off to the best start we’ve had in a few years, and the girls are hungry for more.”
Peabody-Burns is 4-10 for the season. Senior Mady Goossen is averaging 4.1 kills per set with 12 total blocks.
“We have a good balance of experienced players and exciting new players, and they are working hard to improve their skills and play together as a team,” Winter said.
Last modified Sept. 15, 2022