Lady Cubs come up short in own tournament

HUMBOLDT — Humboldt High’s Lady Cubs opened and closed their day at their own HHS Invitational volleyball tournament with victories. Unfortunately, the 2-2 mark in competition did not place the Lady Cubs in the top four finishers.
Waverly High’s Bulldogs claimed the HHS Invitational championship, beating Olathe Metro in the title match. Southeast High of Cherokee downed Yates Center High’s Wildcats for third place.
Humboldt began its day with a 25-17, 25-17 win over Altoona-Midway High’s Jets.
“We played the net well in this match,” said Stephanie Splechter, Lady Cub head coach. “We were aggressive and hit the ball hard at times.”
Sheri Middleton powered down eight kills and made two blocks at the net for the Lady Cubs. Middleton also served up 10 points, including three ace serves, and had three digs. Hannah McCall delivered seven kills and one block while Kayle Riebel had two kills and two blocks. Kindahl Young had two kills and one block.
Morgan Morris had seven service points and McCall served two aces. Morris was credited with five set assists. Anna Setter made six set 
assists.
The Lady Cubs found Southeast a tough second opponent. The Lady Lancers beat Humboldt 25-13, 25-11. Splechter said the Lady Cubs were not ready for the Lady Lancers’ caliber of play. “It was a good lesson about what we are striving for,” she said.
Young delivered four kills and one block for Humboldt, and Middleton made three blocks and had three kills. McCall came up with five digs while Morris had five assists ,and Setter had three assists.
Humboldt came up against Tri-Valley League rival Yates Center in the third match of the day. The Lady Cubs got off to a great start, winning the first set, but the Wildcats came back to take the next two sets for the win. Yates Center won 13-25, 25-14, 25-23.
“This loss was a disappointment but we will learn from it and move on,” Splechter said. “We played very well in the first set then had a total meltdown in the second and third. We did not pass the ball well and continually set Yates Center up.”
The Lady Cubs bounced back to win another tough three-set match over Marmaton Valley 25-21, 21-25, 25-14. Middleton led the Lady Cub net attack with eight kills and five blocks and McCall racked up eight kills.
“We had a letdown in the second set but played well in the third and got a victory. We were more aggressive at the net and served well,” Splechter said.
Setter was credited with 10 set assists for Humboldt and served up 11 points. Middleton had 12 service points. McCall had two service aces. Young made four kills and came up with five digs. Riebel had two kills and three blocks at the net.
The Register did not receive reports from Crest, Marmaton Valley or Yates Center from the tournament by deadline.