OSAWATOMIE — Iola Middle School’s volleyball teams had a successful night in Osawatomie Monday.
The eighth-grade A team won a five-set thriller over the host Trojans, 25-16, 18-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-12.
“This was a hard fought match,” head coach Terri Carlin said. “I was so proud of how they came together tonight. Our passing was excellent and we did a super job at the net. The girls came out really ready to play in the first set and took charge right away. They played some of their best ball of the year. It went back and forth after that. It took a lot of focus to fight through and get the win in the last set after a long match.”
All eight girls in the A team lineup contributed to the win, Carlin said.
Mariah Jelenik’s sterling serving led to six aces — many coming at critical moments — with two kills. Reece Curry had eight kills, four aces “and some great saves,” Carlin said.
Elza Clift had an ace, a kill and a block. Annemariee McCullough had two aces and two kills.
Alana Mader had three aces and three assists. Karingten Hall offered up three kills and a block. Shae McCain had an assist.
The B team played four sets, falling 25-14, 25-23, 25-6, 19-25.
Assistant coach Gabi Brite praised her team’s progress.
Harper Desmarteau had 10 ace serves and a kill. Brooklyn Ellis had four aces and an assist. Maleigha Molina had three aces and a kill. Peyton West had an ace. LaPrincia Pulley, Baylie Crooks, Hannah Fleming and Hailey Stogsdill each had a kill.
IOLA’S seventh-grade A team fell in three sets, 25-18, 20-25, 25-20.
Head coach Aubrey Westhoff said despite the loss, the young Mustangs “showed tremendous improvement.”
Linda Barney led the way with four aces. LIly Lohman and Madison Hall followed with three, Avery Martin with two and Faith Warden with one.
“Lily did an amazing job playing the net and not letting anything go by her,” Westhoff said. “Stephanie had a great hit in the second set to keep the game close.”
The Mustang B team won in three sets, 25-20, 25-23, 15-25.
