WELLSVILLE — The Iola Mustangs have just a few games left before the end of the regular season after falling to Wellsville and Burlington during Thursday’s triangular.
The Mustangs held their own early in both contests, but consecutively stringing their successes together remains their biggest obstacle as Iola fell to Wellsville and Burlington.
“There are a lot of good teams in our league,” Iola coach Lauren Moots said. “They give each of us experience in what a high-level match is. The girls we play, some have have been playing varsity all four years. Some of us are just starting out, and it’s good to see the tempo.”
Despite succumbing in both contests, Moots said Iola’s development is evident.
Junior outside hitter Dally Curry had a team-leading seven kills, a team-leading 15 digs.
Freshman outside hitter Haidyn Desmarteau had six kills while also taking second in digs with 14.
Freshman libero Kashyn Curry had 11 digs and an ace.
Freshman outside hitter Lily Jerome had a pair of aces for the team lead.
“They’ve taken this with a lot of grace,” Moots said. “I push them a lot. Their teammates push them a lot. They expect a of themselves as well, but we cut them some slack. They’re learning. We’re developing and it’s not going to happen at once.”
Iola also showed glimpses of their potential at the net. Junior setter Zoie Hesse had a team-leading seven blocks along with seven assists and three kills. Freshman middle hitter Cam Wille had five blocks and two kills and junior middle blocker Kinsey Jelinek had a block and two kills.
Moots said Hesse and Jelinek’s leadership throughout this difficult season will pay dividends in 2026.
“Zoie and Dally are definitely stepping up as leaders on the court,” Moots said. “They try and provide a consistent message and encouragement to the girls. It’s neat to see them step into a role they weren’t used to and pushes them in different ways as well.”
After Thursday’s defeats, the Mustangs fall to 6-21 and 1-9 in the Pioneer League. They host league foes Prairie View (5-19, 0-10) and Osawatomie (8-7, 3-7) Tuesday. First serve is at 4 p.m.
