GARNETT Saturdays tournament in Garnett was a step backward for the Iola Fillies, after a two-set win at Burlington on Tuesday. Iola lost its three matches against Anderson County, Fort Scott, and Wellsville.
Iola started off poorly in it is first match versus Anderson County, losing both sets by scores of 25-7 and 25-14. Becca Sprague was the Fillies number-one option in attack, providing five kills. Chloe Sell led the Fillies in assists with five, and Lauryn Holloway managed the back line by chipping in 14 digs.
Iolas second match against Fort Scott was an improvement, losing two tightly contested matches 25-16 and 25-18. Sprague provided five kills along with six assists, and Holloway provided a team-high eight kills. Holloway stood firm on the back line with 12 digs, and libero Hannah Gardner provided 14.
After failing to win their first two games, Iolas hopes of advancing to bracket play were dashed. Wellsville awaited in the final match of pool play. The Eagles, who sit at 25-9 on the season. provided a tough test for the Fillies. Iola lost both sets by scores of 25-20 and 25-19. Even so, head coach Amanda Strickler said she was satisfied with the girls performance.
Wellsville is a really solid team, and we played them closer than we ever had before, Strickler said. It comes down to runs. We cant let other teams get on runs, and us not have any. There was some good ball played today, but sometimes you come out on the short end of the stick.
Different obstacles hindered the Fillies in each of their three games, according to Strickler. Iola came out flat against Anderson County, and struggled to find consistency in their day against Fort Scott and Wellsville.
Strickler said the major difference from Tuesdays win at Burlington and Saturdays tournament was the energy the Fillies brought to the court. Iola will need that energy when it plays its final regular season match on Tuesday against Prairie View at home.
Humboldt
The Lady Cubs traveled to Neodosha for tournament action on Saturday, earning second place with a 3-2 record. Humboldts three wins came against Parsons, Southeast-Cherokee, and Caney. Humboldts two losses were at the hands of Neoshesha and Baxter Springs.
Head coach Terry Meadows highlighted Jessica Myers confidence at the net. Myers led all Lady Cubs with 49 kills over the course of the tournament. Setting up Myers was Alayna Johnson, who led Humboldt with 114 assists. Libero Emma Johnson controlled the back row with 30 digs.
