HUMBOLDT — Getting out of pool play at their own volleyball tournament was a goal for Humboldt High’s Lady Cubs. They didn’t do it last week at Iola’s tournament.
The Lady Cubs achieved the goal and placed fourth in their annual Humboldt High Invitational Saturday.
“We played well, at times, to accomplish that goal,” said Stephanie Splechter, Humboldt head coach. “Playing in bracket play was a new experience for us and we learned a lot about the intensity, nerves and conditioning that come along with it.”
Humboldt went 3-1 in pool play losing to Southeast Cherokee 25-1, 25-10 to open the day. Then closed the day facing Southeast again in the third-place match, losing 25-9, 25-10.
“We did not pass the ball well either time we faced Southeast,” Splechter said.
“In the other four matches we passed the ball better so our net play was more aggressive.”
Waverly beat Olathe Metro to claim the tournament championship. Southeast was third and Humboldt fourth. Marmaton Valley, Yates Center and Crest also were in the tournament.
Humboldt beat Altoona-Midway 25-13, 25-22. Taylyn Wells had 12 service points while Hannah McCall and Darrah Tinkler each served up four aces.
Brandi Malloy downed four kills and Melissa Davidson had three blocks at the net. Amanda Maxton had seven assists.
Winning 25-16, 25-22 over Pleasanton, the Lady Cubs got five kills from Malloy, eight service points — seven on ace serves — and six digs from Davidson. Maxton had eight assists.
The Lady Cubs finished pool play by defeating Crest 25-22, 25-12. Davidson delivered 11 kills and Maxton had 14 set assists. Malloy had seven kills and 12 service points.
In the semifinal match, Olathe Metro beat Humboldt 25-22, 25-19. Davidson had nine kills and three blocks. Maxton had 14 assists and Malloy had 11 digs.
Marmaton Valley High’s Wildcats went 0-4 in pool play. The Wildcats lost to Yates Center 17-25, 25-20, 25-15 then dropped a 25-23, 25-12 decision to Olathe Metro.
Pittsburg-Colgan defeated Marmaton Valley 25-18, 25-13. Waverly beat the Wildcats 25-10, 27-25.
“We’re spotting teams way too many points then trying to dig out of the hole. We need to start games better so we give ourselves a chance to win,” said Lindsay Ermel, MVHS head coach.
For the tournament, Maggie Meiwes put down 28 kills for the Wildcats and Cheyanne Miller had 14 kills, Kayla McNutt had nine kills and Morgan Henry had eight kills.
Kailey Boyd and Kacie Shadden combined for 68 digs on the day. Ermel said Molly McEwan and Lydia Lance set the ball well throughout the day.
The Register did not receive reports from Crest or Yates Center by today’s deadline.
Lady Cubs take 4th in own tourney
