CHANUTE — Iola Middle School’s eighth grade volleyball A-Team placed first at Chanute’s tournament Monday. The Ponies were in a three-way tie with Chanute and Independence. Each team had a 4-2 record, so the tiebreaker came down to defensive points allowed.
Iola allowed 115 defensive points, which awarded the Ponies first place. Chanute took second after allowing 119 points and Independence took third with 127 defensive points allowed.
Iola first defeated Meadowview 25-16 and 25-15.
“We came out very strong in this match,” coach Terri Carlin said. “The girls were really talking and moving and took care of business. Looking back, it was a good thing we had such a solid win and didn’t allow the game to be close. This really helped us in the end on points.”
Piper Moore had four aces, five assists and six kills. Mia Aronson had seven aces, two assists and two kills. Paige Burrough had two aces. Madisyn Holloway had an ace, assist and kill. Shaylee Sutterby had an ace and two kills. Kendra Sprague had an ace.
IMS then split with Independence, losing 25-22 and winning 25-23.
“We knew to still be in the hunt for that gold medal, we were going to have to step up and win the second set,” Carlin said. “There were several great rallies and saves by both teams in this match.”
Holloway had six aces and an assist. Sprague had five aces and an assist. Moore had six kills, two assists and an ace. Aronson had one ace and two assists. Sutterby had two kills.
The Ponies also split with Chanute, winning 25-21 and losing 25-11.
“We knew that if we could win two sets against Chanute we would be the tournament champs,” Carlin said. “We pulled out a close one in the first set, but only won by four. We were at least going to be tied for first. Nothing seemed to go right for us in the second set.”
Moore had five aces and five kills. Aronson had two aces, three assists and two kills. Sprague had an ace, assist and kill. Holloway had an ace and an assist.
“Winning the tournament and getting the gold medal is a great way to end the season,” Carlin said. “This was a great group of girls to coach. They really improved throughout the season. They work well together and I am so proud of them.”
Eighth graders win tourney
