CHANUTE — Iola Middle School’s eighth-graders ended their 2013 season in thrilling fashion Monday, winning their last match of the season against host Royster.
The Ponies dropped their first two matchess, falling to Meadowview, 25-11, 27-25, and Independence in three sets, 25-23, 18-25, 15-9.
Iola wrapped up their season with a two-set thriller over Royster, 25-22, 25-23.
“It was a great way to end the season,” head coach Terri Carlin said. “We have had different girls step up in different games all year. In this last match, each did what was needed to pull off a big victory.”
After falling short against Royster in several earlier matches, Iola took the early lead in both games and never relinquished that advantage.
“We capitalized on their mistakes, without making any of our own,” Carlin said. “It was a good match. The girls were so excited to win this. The only goal was to win, and they did.”
Scout Rush led the way against Royster with four ace serves and three kills. Colbi Riley had four ace serves, a kill and an assist. Katie Bauer added an ace and two kills. Karly McGuffin had one ace and three kills. Madison Carlin had five assists and two kills off of tips.
The Ponies started slowly against Meadowview, but rebounded to compete in the second game before falling just short, Carlin said.
Leading scorers: Rush, four aces and three kills; Riley, two aces and two kills; Sophie Whitney, two aces; Emma Weseloh, one ace serve; McGuffin, two aces and two kills; Bauer, one kill; and M. Carlin, six assists and one ace serve.
Iola got off to a quick start against Independence, but could not maintain that advantage.
Riley had an excellent serving match with seven ace serves and four kills. Rush had five aces, three kills and two assists. Bauer had three aces and two kills. McGuffin racked up three kills. M. Carlin had eight assists and one ace.
“The girls worked very hard, and I saw lots of improvement throughout the year,” Coach Carlin said. “They work well together and get along on and off the court. I was proud of their attitude and determination.”
Iola Middle School wraps up 2013 volleyball season
