Facing a deficit, Platte County came back to score an important Suburban Conference Blue Division win against a big rival Thursday, Sept. 29 in Kearney, Mo. The Pirates lost the opening set against Kearney and then won two more tight ones in a back-and-forth 24-26, 27-25, 25-23 victory.
Platte County improved to 8-10-3 and 5-3 in league play with the season sweep of the Bulldogs.
“Our ladies battle for every single point and we were able to come out with a big victory,” Platte County coach Katlyn Donovan said. “I cannot explain how proud I am of the girls and how they fought back after being down after set one. I believe we are starting to play our best volleyball at the right time of the year.”
Several players turned in season-best performances for Platte County, including setter Ashley Bell (28 assists, two service aces). Kenzie Polley (14 kills) and Lauren Walker (six kills) were the main beneficiaries of her steady play on offense.
In addition, Carli Hensley put up 28 digs, while Bailey Harris and Lilly Harrison added 16 apiece. Walker ended up with two blocks, while Bell had one. This matchup with Kearney proved much tougher after the Pirates swept the first matchup at Platte County High School.
Platte County was scheduled to continue Blue Division play Tuesday, Oct. 4 against Grandview, but the result was not available at The Citizen’s deadline.
Winnetonka 2, Platte County 0
The Griffins won two close sets Tuesday, Sept. 27 at Platte County High School in a night dedicated to Landon Jaros, the son of middle school teacher Todd Jaros currently undergoing treatment for leukemia.
A large crowd turned out for the Blue Division matchup, but Platte County lost a second straight matchup this season with Winnetonka. Kenzie Polley (six kills) and Alex Huntley (five kills) topped the attack while Ashley Bell put up 14 assists.
Hannah Kunels recorded three block assists, while Carli Hensley added 19 digs for the defense.