Goessel starts season undefeated
Staff writers
Two county teams played volleyball matches leading into Labor Day weekend.
Goessel
Goessel played its third non-league opponent of the season and finished strong against Bennington, keeping its undefeated start this season intact with a 3-0 win.
The Bluebirds jumped out to a 17-3 lead in the first set before winning 25-13.
The second set seemed to follow the same pattern with Goessel gaining a 15-4 lead and coasting to another 25-13 victory.
The third set was a bit more difficult. Goessel led by a point, 10-9, before going on a run and finishing the set with a 25-12 win.
“We have started the season off particularly strong from the serving line,” coach Crysta Guhr said. “We’ve been able to get teams out of system pretty consistently.”
Offense, Guhr said, has been the biggest adjustment so far for the Bluebirds. She trusts progress being made as the team moves deeper into its schedule.
After a 3-0 start, Goessel will play host Saturday to its annual Bluebird Classic.
Marion
The Warriors spent Saturday in Pratt, ending with three victories and three losses.
“On Saturday, the girls were both physically and mentally tested with six matches in a 14-hour day of volleyball, and we were proud of the way they were able to pull themselves together to create the energy to play the last couple matches,” coach Kayley Davis said.
Davis said there was an excitement buzzing around the team with girls marveling at what they can accomplish as they continue to compete.
“Something I’ve enjoyed this past week is how our girls played together and supported one another,” she said. “Volleyball can be such a mental game, so having that piece can make a huge difference.”
Senior middle blocker Kate Wessel put on an offensive clinic Saturday, ending with 37 kills over the six games.
“One of the most impressive qualities she showed is her level-headedness,” Davis said. “She was able to continue to compete through mistakes and tough moments.”
Senior defensive specialist Delaney Hostetler led the team with 11 aces, followed by junior defensive specialist and outside hitter Brylee Smith, who had 10 aces.
Davis said Smith played with no fear during the games, and Hostetler should get more credit than what the box score suggests.
“She gave 100% to her team and didn’t let anything stop her from having an attack mentality,” Davis said. “Hostetler impressed us with something the stats don’t show — leadership. We could always hear and see her encouraging and celebrating her teammates both on and off the court.”
Junior setter Kiersten Wildin was credited for 43 assists, and freshman middle blocker Bri Wesner tallied six blocks.
Marion volleyball will play another tournament Saturday at Centre.
Hillsboro
Hillsboro will travel to Southeast of Saline for a tournament Saturday.
The Trojans also will travel to Larned at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
Centre
Centre will be host for its annual volleyball invitational Saturday with cross-county rival Marion competing.
The Cougars also will be host to a mod quad with Elyria Christian and Little River at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Peabody-Burns
Peabody-Burns will hit the road for a tournament Saturday in Solomon.
The Warriors will then go to a mod quad against Rural Vista and Wakefield at 4 p.m. Tuesday.