The Marion Lady Warriors opened the 2009 volleyball season in a league tournament at Lyons. They played five matches, finishing in third place with a record of 3-2.

The Warriors claimed third place by defeating Hillsboro in the final match of the day in three games, 25-20, 18-25, and 25-16. It was their first defeat of the Trojans in seven years.

The opening match also was against Hillsboro. The Trojans defeated Marion in two games, 25-22 and 25-20.

The Warriors defeated Haven in the second match, 25-23 and 25-13. They followed this by defeating Halstead in three games, 25-19, 16-25, and 25-23.

Marion fell to Collegiate in three games, 17-25, 25-23, and 25-11, before going on to defeat Hillsboro.

“Even though I was pleased with the results, I was a bit disappointed in our play overall,” said Coach Jim Versch. “I know it is early, but we really need to work on getting down on defense, being aggressive and making all of our serves.”

He praised Lindsay Hett and Zulia Zeiner for great play overall. He said Hett has emerged as a great leader.

“We will work very hard this week!” Versch said.

The next matches will be played Tuesday at Hesston.