OSWEGO — Marmaton Valley High’s Wildcats got off to a slow start Tuesday, but picked up the pace and ended their evening on a successful note.
Marmaton Valley went 1-2 on the day, falling first to Jayhawk-Linn and then to host Oswego in straight sets before ending the day with a straight-set win over Pleasanton.
“We simply didn’t compete against Jayhawk-Linn,” Wildcat head coach Tara Kegler said. “The girls had some miscommunication on coverage spots, which then led to their heads dropping, and we didn’t have a fighting chance.
Jayhawk-Linn rolled to a 25-15, 25-17 victory.
Marmaton Valley’s play improved against the host Indians, but still fell, 25-23, 25-22.
Raveyn Kegler had eight points, while Kayla Ard had four kills and three blocks. Janae Granere offered up five kills and a block. Tayven Sutton and Aly Ard each had four kills.
“They had some good moments against Oswego, but the confidence just wasn’t there yet,” Coach Kegler said.”
The tide shifted during a timeout against Pleasanton, when Kegler stressed a return to the basics, “by doing what we have been practicing. The girls pulled together and played better as a team.”
The resulting 25-23, 25-17 victory gives Marmaton Valley a 4-4 season.
Raveyn Kegler led the way with 12 points, while Kendall Scharff had seven points and four kills. Kayla Ard had three kills and four blocks; Aly Ard had six kills and one block.
Sutton and Granere chipped in with three kills apiece.
The Wildcats will be in Humboldt Saturday for a tournament.
