The 2019 season is off to a rough start for the Iola High volleyball team. After going 1-3 in Burlington a week ago, the Fillies went 0-3 in their home invitational tournament on Saturday.
The Fillies faced Riverton, Burlington and Labette County. Despite dropping all three matches, Iola displayed some bright spots toward the end.
Against Riverton, Iola started slow dropping both sets by scores of 17-25 and 15-25. Chloe Sell led with four-ace serves, and Becca Sprague chipped in four kills to lead the Fillies in attack. In their match versus Burlington, the Fillies dropped both sets. Sprague led the Fillies with four kills as well as four assists. Hannah Gardner led the the back line with eight digs, and Sell, Sprague, Jenna Curry and Jenna Miller were a perfect 27/27 on serves.
Against Labette County, the Fillies began to see some success. The Fillies posted a set win, but were unable to come away with the victory losing in three sets by scores of 20-25, 25-18, and 12-25. Sell led with seven digs and 10 assists, Lauryn Holloway and Curry both had two-ace serves apiece. Sprague bolstered the attack with six kills, and Jocelyn Erbert and Holloway both provided four kills.
The Fillies are 1-6 on the season, but thats only from two Saturdays of play. That lack of competition can contribute to their struggles. The girls have been unable to find their chemistry on the court.
The girls are definitely tired of always practicing, and want to get into the game side of things, head coach Amanda Strickler said. With our schedule only playing once a week, we have only been able to see one side of things we need to work on.
The Fillies have shown flashes of talent and Strickler believes Iola is heading in the right direction. Iola will look to improve their serve-receive, and communication with each other on the court.
Iola opens league play at home on Tuesday against Wellsville and Osawatomie.
