Hillsboro poised for post-season run

By NICHOLAS KIMBALL

Staff writer

County teams faced off for their final regular-season games matches as Marion defeated Peabody-Burns in straight sets, as Goessel forced a three-set match, and state-ranked Hillsboro kept its winning streak going.

Marion and
Peabody-Burns

In a battle of Warriors vs. Warriors, after Marion and Peabody-Burns fell to Lebo in previous games an in-county matchup was inevitable.

“Thursday was a growth night for our team,” Peabody-Burns coach Rachel Winter said. “We had very specific goals with our defense coming into the night, and aside from a few bumps we met those goals.”

Marion coach Kris Burkholder also appreciated the learning the contest offered.

“We came out strong and were able to get everyone on the bench in the game, several of them were playing in different positions than normal, and it was fun seeing our starters encouraging these role changes, “ she said “All 12 players were involved.”

Marion ended up winning 2-0.

“Offensively, we struggled a lot and we were not satisfied with that performance,” Winter said. “Sophomore Angie Fistler had a breakout defensive showing in an unfamiliar position, and it showed a lot of promise for the future.”

On the Marion side, Carley Wilhelm and Kenna Wesner dominated at the net.

“Grace Hett as our Libero just does an excellent job of getting the ball to our setter Calli, and Calli did a great job of mixing it up so they couldn’t always anticipate where the hits were coming from,” Burkholder said.

Marion has finished its regular season with a record of 18-17. Peabody-Burns has finished with a record of 5-24.

Hillsboro

Saturday’s Trojan Invitational gave Hillsboro an opportunity to extend its winning streak to 22 straight.

Eight different teams competed in the event, with the Trojans taking the crown over Circle, winning 25-10 in both sets.

Rock Creek, seeded fourth, overcame Minneapolis to move up a spot to take third.

The Trojans (31-1) have set themselves up for a potential post-season run.

Goessel

At home early last week for the last of their regular season on, the Bluebirds competed in two matches, both going three sets, losing to Wichita Central Christian Academy but winning over Sacred Heart.

In the Wheat State League tournament Saturday, the fourth-seeded Bluebirds defeated Centre 25-9, 25-7. Little River dominated the Bluebirds (and the rest of the field) 25-18, 25-13.

The Bluebirds defeated Rural Vista 25-18, 25-18 and Herington 25-8, 25-14 and then survived 19-25, 25-18, 25-15. against Canton-Galva to earn second place.

Goessel (22-13) will host a 1A substate Saturday. Six of the seven teams are in the Wheat State League.

Staff writer Delbert Peters contributed to this story