Iola Middle School’s seventh-grade volleyball team concluded its 2012 season at home in the IMS Net Games Saturday. The Ponies went 1-4.
“Overall, the girls played very well,” said Stacy Sprague, IMS seventh-grade coach. “The girls are working really hard to develop the basic skills allowing us to play with three passes.
“We have several girls who are working hard to develop the ability to hit well at the net. We lack strength and timing but next year the girls will excel and do well.”
Iola opened with a 7-21, 21-16, 15-7 win over Parsons. The Ponies lost 21-16, 21-14 to Marmaton Valley and 21-14, 21-14 to Independence. Pittsburg beat Iola 21-12, 21-15 and Royster of Chanute downed the Ponies 21-12, 21-13.
Scout Rush was 29 of 38 serving for the Ponies on the day and Colbi Riley was 23 of 34 from the service line. Karly McGuffin was 14 of 21 serving and Emma Weseloh was 12 of 14. Madison Carlin was 11 of 14 serving the ball and Katie Bauer went 6 of 8 on serves.
Sprague said she normally doesn’t keep track of hitting attacks but at the tournament, she had Rush with 11 hits, Carlin with 10, McGuffin with eight and Bauer with six.
“Eliza Hale and Olivia Taylor came off the bench and played well for us with serving and passing. Emma and Colbi work hard developing skills as setters,” Sprague said.
“I’m proud of how far the girls have come in the short time of our season.”
Marmaton Valley Junior High’s seventh-grade Wildcats claimed the second-place team medals at the IMS Net Games. The Wildcats went 3-2 on the day.
Marmaton Valley opened with a 21-19, 21-3 loss to Royster but came back to defeat Iola. The Wildcats dropped a 21-15, 25-15 decision to Pittsburg.
The Wildcats finished the day with a 21-11, 21-14 win over Parsons and a 21-17, 21-16 victory over Independence.
“The girls really fought back and played well in the last two matches,” said Scott Brady, MVJH seventh-grade coach. “It was a total team effort today and I’m extremely proud of our team.”
Trinitee Guterrez served for 23 points for the Cats in the tournament. Shelby Yoho had 21 service points followed by Paige Becker with 19 and Clara Boyd with 18. Megan Ensminger and Emily Smart each served for 12 points on the day.
