The Iola Mustangs snapped a six-game losing streak while splitting Thursday’s home triangular against West Elk and Neodesha.
Iola opened the day with a pair of 25-16 wins against West Elk (4-19, 2-5) of the South Central Border League, but the Mustangs fell to area powerhouse Neodesha Bluestreaks (18-2, 4-0) of the Tri-Valley League, 25-15 and 25-13.
“Any time we can get a win, it’s an energy booster, and I’m happy about it,” Iola coach Lauren Moots said. “Obviously, the outcome against Neodesha was not what we wanted, but it’s a good thing. I told them in the locker room, ‘We can play with that team, and they’re a very good team.’ The fact we can stay with them, keep up with them and even beat them on a few things is very encouraging.”
After snapping their losing streak, the Mustangs (2-9, 0-4) hope to add a few more wins to their record at this weekend’s Burlington Varsity Tournament. They open the tournament against McLouth (3-15, 2-9) of the Northeast District League. With an eye on peaking for the postseason, the Mustangs hope to improve themselves bit by bit and believe that, win or lose, they will come out stronger in the end.
Lily Jerome, Iola freshman outside hitter, scores on this tip during Thursday’s triangular match against Neodesha.
“Winning feels good, and it gives our younger players confidence,” junior outside hitter Dally Curry said. “I see us making improvements and learning new things every day. We’re sharpening our skills. I don’t know when it’s going to happen, but nobody is going to expect it.”
IN JUNIOR VARSITY action, the Mustangs defeated West Elk in three sets. They took the opener 25-20, fell in the second set 25-20, and took the third set 15-11. Against Neodesha, the Mustangs took the first set but then lost the next two, 25-17 and 27-25, during the final match of the evening.
“People look down on us, but when we start playing, they realize we’re actually a pretty good team,” Iola junior outside hitter Zoie Hesse said. “At the end of this year, or the beginning of next year, we’re going to be really good.”
Following this weekend’s action, the Mustangs return to the hardwood for a triangular Tuesday at Pioneer League foe Prairie View, then remain on the road for another triangular in Fredonia. First serve is 4 p.m.
Kashyn Curry, Iola freshman libero, serves up an ace while facing Neodesha Thursday.
“Playing nothing but league games eats at you a little bit, especially if things are not going your way,” Moots said.
