After a strong second-place finish at the Inman Invitational to open the season, the Moundridge High School volleyball team returned home Sept. 8 and continued its early-season success with 2-0 victories over Wichita Classical and Remington.
“I think we are getting better. We need to continue watching our errors, but our ball control seems to be solidifying and that’s the base on which we can build. Three steps forward, two steps back, but at least we are moving forward,” Moundridge head coach Bryan Otte said.
The Wildcats handled Wichita Classical in straight sets, winning 25-14 and 25-12.
Moundridge also downed Remington in straight sets, winning 25-6 and 25-13.
The wins came after Moundridge opened the season Sept. 5 by going 4-1 at the Inman Invitational, finishing second behind the host Teutons.
Moundridge defeated Conway Springs, Kingman, Sedgwick and Remington at the tournament.
Its only loss came against Inman, 2-1.
Inman won the tournament with a 5-0 record, taking 10 of 11 sets.
Moundridge finished second at 4-1, followed by Conway Springs at 3-2, Sedgwick at 2-3, Kingman at 1-4 and Remington at 0-5.
The Wildcats’ lone tournament loss came in a competitive match against Inman.
After falling 25-15 in the opening set, Moundridge answered with a 25-23 victory in the second before Inman closed out the match 25-20 in the third.
Hattie Hecox led Moundridge offensively throughout the tournament, recording 35 kills. She also contributed 32 digs and five service aces.
Aspyn Stos added 25 kills and was the Wildcats’ most efficient hitter with a .317 hitting percentage. Stos also led Moundridge with nine blocks.
Mackie Conkling finished with 21 kills and a .136 hitting percentage.
Moundridge received balanced production at setter, with Payton Wilson recording 48 assists and Brie Moddelmog adding 45.
Wilson also had five blocks and 21 digs, while Izzy Durst contributed 10 assists.
Defensively, Halle Hecox paced the Wildcats with 61 digs.
Hattie Hecox followed with 32, while Wilson added 21.
At the service line, Keira Stucky and Hattie Hecox each recorded five aces, while Lennon Graber added four.
