LA CYGNE — Iola Middle School’s eighth-grade volleyball team capped its unusual 2020 season in style Saturday, placing second at the Pioneer League Tournament.
The Mustangs opened the tournament by thumping host Prairie View in straight sets, 25-11 and 25-15, before falling in the championship match against Burlington, 25-17 and 25-21.
“Despite the loss, this was a great match for us,” Iola head coach Terri Carlin said. “We played pretty solid throughout. The girls were disappointed to not get first, but I was proud of their play. We were competitive.”
Reese Curry shined in her final match of the season against Burlington, with three ace serves, seven kills and a block. Kaysin Crusinbery stepped into the setting position and had five assists to go along with two kills. Mariah Jelenik had one ace and three kills, Alana Mader had two ace serves and an assist, Elza Clift had one ace and Karingten Hall had one kill.
IOLA missed out on a chance to play Prairie View earlier this season because the Buffalos were under quarantine, Carlin said.
“The girls came out strong and were working together,” Carlin said. “Our serving in this match was excellent. We really had them frustrated. Kaysin Crusinbery had an excellent match. Kaysin is a very smart player, and did a super job of finding the open spots and just placing it right there.”
Crusinbery had five ace serves, three assists and five kills, including tips, Carlin said.
“Mariah Jelenik had one of her best matches of the season,” Carlin said. “Mariah has really improved in all aspects of the game. She is very coachable and just does what she is asked to do. She did a great job playing the net and passing.”
Curry had five ace serves and three kills, Clift added four aces and a kill, Mader had two aces and an assist, Annemariee McCullough had an ace, Hall had one kill and Shae McCain had two assists.
