Iola High’s Fillies rebounded from a disappointing start to win its last two volleyball matches of the day Saturday, and in doing so, took third place in the IHS Invitational.
The Fillies looked to get the day off on the right foot, taking an early lead in its opening-round match and nabbing the first set against Parsons, 25-20.
But Parsons responded quickly, taking advantage of a brief lapse in Iola’s execution, securing the second set, 25-12. The Vikings maintained that momentum in the decisive third set, 25-19.
Becca Sprague led Iola’s charge with seven aces and eight assists. Lauryn Holloway knocked home six kills.
The pattern was different in match two against Riverton, which cruised through the first set, 25-10.
But Iola rebounded from there, breaking through with a 25-22 win in the second set.
A back-and-forth final set turned Rivertons’ way, 25-23, giving the Rams the victory.
Sprague, Holloway and Ally Ellis each had four kills. Sprague and Holloway each had 10 digs, and Holloway had four blocks. Jenna Curry had a scintillating passing average of 2.6 in the match.
Rather than fret, Iola quickly returned to the court against Pioneer League rival Prairie View.
The Fillies had things well in hand this time, rolling to a 25-18, 25-20 straight-set victory.
Hannah Gardner, Holloway and Sprague each had four aces in the win. Sprague also had three kills, while Chloe Sell led with six assists.
Iola’s final notch of redemption came in the third-place match against Parsons.
This time, the Fillies had things well in hand, winning 25-19, 25-23.
Holloway had five aces, while Sprague pounded home 13 kills. Sell set up her teammates with a team-high 11 assists, while Gardner and Curry both were solid in defense with eight digs apiece. Jocelyn Erbert led the Fillies with a pair of blocks.
Iola returns to action Tuesday with matches in Osawatomie.
