ALTAMONT — Iola High’s Fillies showed their mettle Thursday in Southeast Kansas League volleyball play.
Taking on one of the top five teams in the league in its home gym, the Fillies stayed right with Labette County High’s Grizzlies in the first set of the match. The Fillies ended up losing 25-19, 25-8.
“We did so well in the first set. I thought we would come out and win the second. The teamwork wasn’t there,” said Jodi Grover, Iola High head coach.
The Fillies notched their first SEK win of the season, bouncing back from the LCHS loss to defeat Coffeyville 25-22, 25-15.
With the win, the Fillies moved to 1-5 in SEK play and 7-17 overall. Labette County defeated Coffeyville 25-4, 25-11 and improved to 4-2 and 15-11.
Pittsburg took over sole possession of the top spot in the league beating Fort Scott 25-23, 26-24. Fort Scott and Pittsburg each beat Columbus. Pittsburg is 6-0 and 18-6 followed by Fort Scott and Chanute, both at 5-1.
“I saw improvement in areas. The key once again is the consistency and playing smarter than the other team. I’m excited to see that we brought what we’ve been concentrating on in practice onto the floor,” Grover said.
Kendra Taiclet pounded down seven kills and made three solo blocks at the net. Riana Dolenz delivered five kills and a solo block.
Celeste Ambrose put down three kills and had a solo block. Libby Shay had two solo blocks and Emery Driskel made one block.
Kyra Moore was credited with 13 set assists. Ambrose served up three aces.
Defensively, Dolenz and Keli Lee each came up with four digs. Taiclet, Ambrose and Shay made three digs apiece.
Grover said Labette County has a great defending team. She said the Fillies missed four serves in the first set at critical times in the game.
She said that was too many in one set to expect to win. Grover said Iola’s blocking has really improved.
“We got our hand on so many more balls to slow them down for the defenders.”
Grover said she was disappointed that the Fillies regressed to old habits in the second set with Labette County.
