Iola High’s volleyball season ended in the first round of Saturday’s Kansas Class 4A Substate Tournament in Garnett.
Top-seeded Chanute beat the Fillies 25-9, 25-21 and went on to win the substate championship.
“The first set showed our inexperience on the court at this level,” said Jodi Grover, IHS head coach. “Unfortunately, it was setting the ball up that inhibited us from executing the play. We were not getting our hitters in a place where we could be aggressive at the net.”
Grover said the Fillies stepped up and were competitive in the second set.
“We displayed the good passing, setting and hitting we could do. The girls really worked as a team,” Grover said.
“As a coach you know it comes down to this one day of competition. During the second set we did play at the level we are capable of playing.”
Senior Kendra Taiclet led the Fillies’ net attack with five kills and two solo blocks. Riana Dolenz, a senior, had one kill and two solo blocks and senior Celeste Ambrose delivered a kill.
Junior Libby Shay put down three kills and had an assisted block. Emery Driskel, a freshman, had a kill and a solo block.
Kyra Moore, a freshman, served up three points for Iola and had nine set assists. Taiclet, Shay and junior Katie Thompson each had two service points. Dolenz and junior Keli Lee each served a point.
“Katie stepped in and served for us doing a great job,” Grover said.
Taiclet was credited with four defensive digs. Driskel had two digs and Dolenz had one dig.
“I’m proud of the girls’ hard work throughout the season. They learned a tremendous amount about the game,” Grover said.
“As for the seniors, they showed leadership for those underclassmen to take over in the years to come.”
Grover said they took many underclassmen on the bus to come in support of the team on Saturday. “They, too, saw what it takes to compete at the varsity level,” she said.
The Fillies finished 7-26 overall. They were 1-7 in the final year of Southeast Kansas League competition. Iola moves to the Pioneer League next year.
Fillies’ volleyball season comes to end at substate
