Volleyball seasons come to an end with sub-state losses
Staff writers
Four county teams competed Saturday at sub-state.
Goessel reached the championship game before being eliminated. Hillsboro, Marion, and Centre were eliminated in straight-set first-round losses.
Goessel
In its four-team sub-state tournament, Goessel was seeded second and advanced to the final round after beating Colony Crest 25-18, 25-8.
The victory pitted the Bluebirds against the top-ranked team in Class 1A, Little River, for the fourth time this season.
The Bluebirds fell behind 6-4 early in the first set but managed to grab a 12-11 lead. The teams traded points before, with the set tied 17-17, Little River went on a 5-1 run. The Redskins eventually won the set 25-21.
In the second set, the Bluebirds led by three points before Little River tied the score at 11.
After trailing 20-14, the Bluebirds were able to cut the deficit to three, but a relentless attack from Little River propelled the Redskins to a 25-20 victory and a trip to the state tournament in Dodge City.
It was the last volleyball contest for four seniors on the Bluebird team.
Aimee Funk led the team in assists, Abbigail Funk played the libero position, Logan Bryant contributed as an opposite hitter, and Brooklyn Wuest was a force as an outside hitter.
The Bluebirds finished the season 32-8.
Hillsboro
The Trojans finished their season Saturday with an record of 25-14 after losing two sets to Inman in the first round of sub-state competition.
“It was hard to end the season the way we did, but it was a season of growth and building for our team,” coach Sandy Arnold said. “We had girls playing new positions, girls learning to carry more responsibility, and girls on the varsity court for the first time.
“I am proud of this group and am looking forward to seeing the work they put in to make next season even better,” Arnold said.
Marion
The Warriors were eliminated in the first round of sub-state competition Saturday.
Marion opened up the tournament against host Valley Heights, dropped two sets, both by scores of 25-18.
Coach Keri Collett declined to comment after the tournament.
Centre
The Cougars were eliminated in the first round of sub-state competition Saturday.
Centre opened up the tournament against host Hanover, dropping two sets, 25-12 and 25-10.
Coach Emily Hutchison declined to comment after the tournament.