By JEREMY McGUIRE
Hays Post
GREAT BEND, Kan.-Hays High Volleyball didn’t lose a single set, going 5-0 on Saturday in Great Bend. The Lady Indians opened with Hutchinson who gave them a strong match to start the day. Hays fell down early in the first set only to take the lead 6-5 and they didn’t trail again in the set winning 25-19. Set two was much of the same with the Lady Indians taking their first lead at 7-6 and battled back and forth winning 25-23 and the match in straight sets.
The energy continued for they Lady Indians as they dominated St. John in their second match winning in straight sets 25-18, 25-16. Next up was Salina Central who didn’t provide much of a challenge. Hays won the first set 25-10 and had a little more challenge in set two winning 25-17 and wrapping up the victory.
The Lady Panthers from Phillipsburg challenged Hays High next and the Lady Indians responded. Hays blew through the first set winning in convincing fashion, 25-12. The Lady Indians opened up the second set with a 14-5 lead when Phillipsburg countered with the next eight points to get within a point at 14-13. Hays would keep them at arms length the rest of the way winning the set, 25-21, and the match.
The last match of the day was with Western Athletic Conference rival Great Bend and it lived up to the billing of a rivalry. The Lady Panthers raced out to a 15-7 lead in the first set with a little luck and some favorable calls. Hays High would answer with a massive push that put the Lady Indians in front 23-18. Great Bend would counter with the next five points to tie the set at 23 points apiece. The two teams would trade blows with Hays coming out on top 29-27. The Lady Indians controlled much of the second set but it remained close with Hays winning 25-22 to sweep the sets and take the match.
Junior Tasiah Nunnery blasted 59 kills on the day to lead the Lady Indians, including 17 in the night cap against Great Bend. Senior Hannah McGuire finished with 73 assists on the day and saved her best for last with 22 against the rival Panthers. Senior Kallie Leiker led the squad in digs with help from sophomore Brooklyn Schaffer and junior Olivia Schremmer. Seniors Jaysa Wichers and Jaycee Dale once again dominated at the net as did junior Macee Altman. Although they did not show up big on the state line senior Savannah Schneider, junior Sierra Bryant and sophomore Brooke Denning were instrumental in the five victories for Hays.
The Lady Indians use their big day to improve to 15-9 on the season. They will travel to Colby for a quadrangular on Monday.
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