Iola High’s Fillies had the visiting Louisburg High Wildcats right where they wanted them. The Fillies were up 23-19 with the serve in the opening set of Thursday night’s match.
The Wildcats got the serve back and added another point. Iola still had the momentum, leading 24-21 with the serve — still one point away from winning the set.
“The girls had the energy, chemistry offense and defense that we’ve been working toward,” said Jodi Grover, Fillies’ head coach.
Louisburg went to a tip game at the net. Iola was confounded by it even though the Fillies battled to a 25-25 tie. Celeste Ambrose used a tip of her own to make it 26-26.
Both times with the score tied. Iola had the serve.
“Even though we were hitting aggressively, serving and passing well, we were unable to read the ball on defense and couldn’t pick up some key digs,” Grover said.
Louisburg won the first set 28-26 then ended the best 3-out-of-5 match in straight sets. The Wildcats won 28-26, 25-11, 25-18.
In the second set, Louisburg opened on a five-point run and Iola never was in the set. At 19-9, Louisburg had a four-point run that pushed the Wildcats to victory.
Iola served to start the third set but a Wildcat tip scored the point and handed the service over to Louisburg’s Katie Dixon. She rattled off another five-point run to set her team up for the win.
“I’m very proud of the girls for coming out on their home floor and showing their hard work is paying off,” Grover said. “The team knew training new setters and putting a successful system in place would be challenging. Tonight they showed a glimpse of what they are capable of doing.”
The Fillies (2-6) head into today’s 21st annual Iola High Invitational Tournament. They open with Anderson County in pool play at 8:30.
“Maintaining composure and utilizing our energy in the right direction consistently on the court will be our main focus for the tournament,” Grover said.
Kendra Taiclet served up six points plus led the net attack for Iola with eight kills, one solo block and one assisted block. Tori Snavely came in to serve for six points plus had six set assists.
Riana Dolenz downed four kills at the net, had one solo block and two assisted blocks. She also served up five points. Kyra Moore served four points and had six set assists.
Emma Sigg served up one point and had one dig. Taiclet had three digs. Dolenz, Libby Shay, Ambrose and Keli Lee each had two digs. Ambrose had three kills and two assisted blocks. Emery Driskel had two assisted blocks and Shay had one assisted block.
Also playing at home Thursday were the Fillies’ freshmen. Iola lost to Louisburg 26-24, 25-17 and to Anderson County 25-20, 25-22.
Leading servers were Addie Haar and Torrie Lewis. Emma Piazza led the team in set assists while Lewis and Shelby Smith topped the kill chart.
“These girls are understanding the value of hard work at practice. They improved their serving tremendously,” said Jeff Fehr, IHS assistant coach. “This team is starting to get the feel for the faster pace style of volleyball that high school brings.”
Iola’s freshmen will host Burlington Monday at 5:30.
Fillies drop home opener to Wildcats
