Staff writer
Hillsboro entered Class 2A’s state tournament as the bracket’s top-seeded team, but it marked the first time all season Hillsboro lost more than one match in a tournament.
The Trojans dropped their first two matches but recovered to win the third match. That solidified them as the third seed in bracket play.
Each of Hillsboro’s matches lasted just two sets. The team opened the day by losing both sets to Smith Center, 25-18 and 25-2, and then to Heritage Christian Academy of Olathe, 25-16 and 25-21.
The Trojans recovered some in their third match, taking the first set against Wabaunsee, 25-18. Their second set of the match ended with the best results, as they dominated the Chargers 25-7.
Hillsboro had another chance to face Smith Center in its first match of bracket play. Hillsboro played an even closer match this time but still was not able to take the victory. The Trojans played both games to within a few points but still lost in straight sets, 25-22 and 25-19.
Hillsboro found itself in the third-place match for the chance to leave Dodge City on a winning note, but Wabaunsee had other ideas. The Trojans lost the match by a combined five points but once again fell in straight sets, 25-22 and 25-23.
The four losses more than doubled Hillsboro’s total from the season, but the team still finished with a record of 28-7.
Players receive league honors
A trio of Marion players were among those to receive honors when the Heart of America League released its all-league team last week.
Senior Laura Savage was a first-team selection, with sophomore setter Calli Burkholder, senior Chisholm Waner, and libero Grace Hett all receiving honorable mentions.
Savage led the Warriors with 261 kills and 3.3 kills per set this season, with Waner second most on the team, tallying 161 kills at a rate of 2.1 per set. Burkholder had 9.3 assists per set. She also led Marion in serving in her first year as a starter, scoring 51 aces with a 96.1 serve percentage. The team’s only freshman, Hett had 448 digs and 783 serve receives.
Other all-league teams are expected to be named in coming weeks.
Last modified Nov. 5, 2020