The Humboldt Lady Cubs may have removed the only obstacle standing between them and a Tri-Valley League title after defeating Neodesha in a three-set thriller Tuesday.
After opening Tuesday’s Caney Valley triangular with a sweep of the host team Bullpups, 25-21 and 25-13, Humboldt turned its attention to the Neodesha Bluestreaks, who entered the contest as one of the area’s top ranked teams. They left relegated to a second-place league standing, taking the first set 25-23, but falling to the Cubs in the next two, 25-20 and 25-14.
Humboldt senior Ricklyn Hillmon had a team-leading 11 kills, ahead junior setter Lakyn Meadows, who posted nine, and senior middle hitter Laney Hull with six. Senior libero Skylar Hottenstein had a team-leading three aces, followed by Hull with two and sophomore outside hitter Bailey Daniels with one.
Defensively, Hull had 23 digs, Hottenstein reached 16, and Meadows had 11. Hull posted three of the Lady Cubs’ four blocks, with one for Meadows.
Against Caney Valley, Hillmon had a team-leading eight kills, followed by freshman outside hitter Jadey Ellis and Hill with five each. Hull and sophomore outside hitter Adalyn Hillmon tied for the team lead in aces with three each, followed by freshman outside hitter Brynna Ellis with two. Hillmon registered Humboldt’s only block in the opener, while Hull and Hottenstein tied for the team lead in digs with eight each, followed by Meadows with seven.
With the wins, the Lady Cubs improved to 22-8 overall and 5-0 in Tri-Valley League play. Humboldt stands just one game ahead of Neodesha in the league standings. Eureka and Cherryvale can play spoiler at next week’s triangular in Eureka; Neodesha would have to win every match for a chance at the TRL title.
First serve for next week’s triangular is 4 p.m.
