EHS volleyball team splits at Shawnee Heights
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Emporia High volleyball team beat Junction City in straight sets and then lost in straight sets to Shawnee Heights on Tuesday at Heights.
Sarah Kolmer had six kills and five digs to lead the Spartans to a 25-18, 25-14 win against Junction City.
Shawnee Heights was celebrating its senior night and was able to just barely sneak past the Spartans in two close sets, 25-22, 26-25.
“We’re starting to grow as a team, and we’re starting to work better together on the floor, being able to carry intensity a lot longer,” EHS coach Ashley Nehls said. “I still expect more. We need to be able to fight to a finish. Too many times we’re a point behind or tied up, and I want us to be able to push through and fight to the end of the game.”
The Spartans had a well-rounded effort against Junction City. Lauren Longbine had five kills, and Lindy Arndt and Kelly Bacon each had three kills apiece.
Megan McRell led EHS with 17 assists. Courtney Waldner had a team-high five solo blocks and eight assist blocks. Andrea Markowitz had a team-high seven digs, and Taylor Elbe added six digs.
Against Shawnee Heights, Nehls said the Spartans hit the ball well, but they struggled with their passing. Ardnt and Bacon led the way with three kills apiece. Gladys Azzun, Longbine and McRell all finished with two kills. McRell led the team in assists again with eight.
Longbine had two solo blocks and seven assist blocks. Elbe finished with a team-high nine digs.
The Spartans are 7-7 on the season and play again on Thursday at home against Hayden.