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Volleyball ends season with loss to Bethel
The Hesston College volleyball team lost in three games to Bethel College JV (Kan.) by scores of 22-25, 21-25, and 18-25, ending their season with a 10-18 record.
Sophomore Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan.)
ended her Hesston College career on a high note by recording 10 kills,
six blocks, and eight digs. Sophomore Rachel Steckly (Milford, Neb.), also
playing her last match with the Larks, recorded eight digs and two kills.
“The difference in today's match was passing,” commented Coach Vanessa Schroeder. “Bethel passed extremely well and we could not get into a rhythm in our passing game. That also kept our offense from using our middles, but Kory was still able to contribute successfully on the defensive end.”
Freshman Bonnie Heinrichs (McPherson,
Kan.) recorded five kills on the day, while freshman setter Jo Carlson
(Hillsboro, Kan.) contributed 18 assists.
“It's not the way we had hoped our season would end,” said Schroeder. “But
winning three out of our last 4 matches was a great accomplishment for this
team.”
Late rally pushes Larks to district win over Independence
Despite falling behind two games to one, the Hesston College volleyball rallied to win the last two games and record a huge home win over Independence (Kan.) Community College. The victory, the Larks third in a row, improves Hesston’s record to 10-17 on the year. Scores of the match were 12-25, 25-23, 17-25, 25-18, and 15-9.
Sophomore Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan.) led the team with 16 kills, while freshman Malerie Hertzler (Halstead, Kan.) added 11. Freshman setter Jo Carlson (Hillsboro, Kan.) paced the offense with a season high 41 assists.
“Offensively our team was simply able to come together in this match,” said Coach Vanessa Schroeder. “We had great consistency on the attack tonight. I was so pleased to see Rachel Steckly (Milford, Neb.) step up and have her best hitting night of her career in her last home match as a sophomore.”
Defensively, the Larks were led by freshman Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan.), who recorded 15 digs, and Hiebert, who blocked four shots. Sophomore Katrina Zerger (Moundridge, Kan.) contributed ten digs. A solo block by Steckly late in game 5 keyed the Larks late run, according to Schroeder.
Following their win in the last home match of the season, the Larks travel to North Newton, Kansas, for their season finale against Bethel College JV on Saturday, November 1, starting at noon.
Larks defeat Bethel JV in five sets
The Hesston College volleyball team won in five sets on Friday night against Bethel College (Kan.) JV by scores of 25-19, 13-25, 25-19, 18-25, and 15-13. Winners of their last two matches, Hesston’s season record stands at 9-17.
Sophomore Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan.) led the Lark offense with 17 kills, while freshman Sharrese Ediger (Meade, Kan.) chipped in with nine. Freshman Jo Carlson (Hillsboro, Kan.) had 25 assists.
Defensively, freshman Sarah Masenthin had 14 digs, while Hiebert added ten. Heibert also led with five blocks, while freshman Malerie Hertzler (Halstead, Kan.) added four.
“Bethel made good adjustments early in the match that flustered our attack and defense,” said Coach Vanessa Schroeder. “Consistency was an issue all evening. Malerie Hertzler and Kory Hiebert did an outstanding job on the block combining for 15 blocks on the night.”
The Larks return to action with a home match against Independence (Kan.) Community College on Wednesday, October 29, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Larks win in three sets versus Fort Scott
The Hesston College volleyball team recorded a district win Thursday night versus Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College in three sets to improve its overall record to 8-17 on the year. Scores for the match were 25-18, 25-10, and 25-20.
Sophomore middle blocker Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan.) led the Lark offense with 11 kills, while freshmen Bonnie Heinrichs (McPherson, Kan.) and Jo Carlson (Hillsboro, Kan.) contributed nine and seven kills, respectively. Carlson aided the offense with 22 assists.
Defensively, Hiebert blocked four shots, and Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan.) led with ten digs.
“Jo Carlson had one of her best outings of the season,” said Coach Vanessa Schroder. “She made great decisions offensively and was aggressive at the net. I was very pleased with the effort of our back row defenders tonight. They picked up a lot of balls that we haven't been getting to in previous matches.”
The Larks return to action on Saturday, October 25, for their annual sophomore recognition night, as they welcome Bethel College (North Newton, Kan.) JV to town for a 6:30 p.m. match.
Larks fall in four games at Cloud County
The Hesston College volleyball team lost a district match at Cloud County (Kan.) Community College on Wednesday night by scores of 22-25, 18-25, 25-19, and 17-25.
The Larks were able to stay with Cloud for much of the match, but couldn't maintain momentum after rallying to win the third game.
"Jo Carlson's (Hillsboro, Kan.) consistency in setting led our attack in one of our best offensive outings of the season," said Coach Vanessa Schroeder. "I thought Rachel Steckly (Milford, Neb.) made good decisions at the net tonight."
Sophomore Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan.) led the Lark attack with 21 kills, while Steckly contributed nine. Carlson dished out a season high 38 assists.
"It took until game three to get control of the defensive adjustments that needed to be made," added Schroeder. "Then we were able to have more opportunities to attack."
Defensively, freshman Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan.) and Steckly led the way with 19 and 10 digs, respectively, while Hiebert registered five blocks.
The loss drops Hesston to 7-17 on the year, as the Larks await a home date versus Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College on Thursday, October 23, at 6 p.m.
#5 Butler too much for Larks
The Hesston College volleyball team fell in three sets to Butler County (Kan.) Community College by scores of 17-25, 11-25, and 16-25.
Sophomore Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan.) led Hesston with 13 kills, while sophomore Rachel Steckly (Milford, Neb.) added five. Freshman setter Jo Carlson (Hillsboro, Kan.) contributed 21 assists.
"We struggled to finish the attack tonight, but were able to stay in rallies by keeping Butler out of their system with our serving," said Coach Vanessa Schroeder. "Their hitters created trouble for our blockers all night."
Defensively, freshman Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan.) led the Larks with 21 digs.
"I was pleased with our defensive effort tonight," commented Schroeder. "We kept the ball in play much more consistently against a strong Butler team."
The Larks travel to Concordia, Kansas for a match against Cloud County Community College on Wednesday, October 15, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Larks fall in three games at Highland
The Hesston College volleyball team dropped a district match at Highland (Kan.) Community College on Friday night by scores of 20-25, 10-25, and 15-25.
Sophomore middle blocker Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan) led Hesston with 12 kills, while freshman outside hitter Bonnie Heinrichs (McPherson, Kan.) contributed three. Freshman setter Jo Carlson (Hillsboro, Kan.) paced the Lark offense with 15 assists. Defensively, Hiebert recorded five blocks, while freshman Danielle Minder (Whitewater, Kan.) had two.
"Game one was a positive for us," said Coach Vanessa Schroeder. "We hung with them through the first 19 points, but a few unforced errors gave Highland a late lead that we couldn't overcome. I was pleased with the passing tonight from Heidi Wiebe (Millersburg, Ohio) and Kory (Hiebert).
Now 7-14 on the year, the Larks return home on Monday, October 13, to take on Butler County (Kan.) Community College. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m.
Larks unable to come back after early deficit, fall at Neosho
The Hesston College volleyball team dropped at district match to district rival Neosho County (Kan.) in three sets; 16-25, 15-25, and 23-25.
After falling behind two games to none, Hesston began the third game on a 7-0 run sparked by three serving aces from sophomore Annali Murray (Orrville, Ohio). Neosho was able to fight back, however, and win the deciding third game.
"Danielle Minder (Whitewater, Kan.) did a good job of stepping into the middle for us tonight," said Coach Vanessa Schroeder. "It was a first for her, and she did a great job of keeping the ball in play."
Sophomore middle blocker Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan.) again led Hesston with 15 kills and a .411 hitting efficiency while committing no errors. Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan.) led the Larks with 12 digs.
"I felt Kory and Jo Carlson (Hillsboro, Kan.) connected well tonight," added Schroeder.
Hesston returns to action Friday, October 10 with a district game at Highland (Kan.) Community College, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Larks lead early, but can't hang on in loss to Tabor College
The Hesston College volleyball team lost to Tabor College JV in 5 games, dropping their overall record to 7-13 on the season.
After falling 14-25 in the first game, the Larks responded with a 25-22 win to knot the match at 1-1. The host Blue Jays rallied to win two of the last three games to secure the victory. Scores of the last three games were 22-25, 25-18, and 14-16.
"Lack of consistency led to this loss tonight," said Coach Vanessa Schroeder. "We just couldn't put it all together in all areas."
Lark servers recorded 25 aces for the match, led by Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan.) with seven, while Sherrese Ediger (Meade, Kan) and Rachel Steckly (Milford, Neb.) each had six.
Hiebert and Malerie Hertzler (Halstead, Kan.) led the Larks with 17, and 9 kills respectively, while freshman Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan.) led with 19 digs.
"I was very proud of Katrina Zerger's play," added Schroeder. "She was aggressive and smart with her decision at the net. As a team, 25 aces are huge, and was definitely a bright spot."
The Larks travel to Neosho County (Kan.) Community College on Wednesday, October 8 for a district match beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Larks start strong, but can't contain #6 Cowley County
The Hesston College volleyball team came out ready to play in Wednesday's home match against sixth ranked Cowley County (Kan.) Community College, going toe to toe with the visiting Tigers early before falling in three games.
After a back and forth first game won by Cowley, 19-25, the visitors put the Larks away by winning the next two games, 9-25, and 13-25.
"We came out focused in game one," said Coach Vanessa Schroeder. "It was encouraging to see us stick with a highly ranked team early in the match."
Sophomore middle blocker Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan.) led Hesston with 11 kills, while freshman outside hitter Malerie Hertzler (Halstead, Kan.) contributed eight. Freshman defensive specialist Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan) led the Larks with 11 digs.
"I thought Malerie did a nice job for us tonight," added Schroeder. "She stepped into the outside hitting position and played well."
The loss drops the Larks to 7-12 overall, while Cowley improves to 14-4.
The Larks return to action Friday, October 3, with a trip to Hillsboro, Kansas, for a match against Tabor College JV. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.
Larks unable to hold lead, drop match to Tabor
The Hesston College volleyball team lost to Tabor College JV in five games, dropping their overall record to 7-11. Despite starting strong and winning the first two games 25-23 and 25-18, the Larks couldn't hold off a determined Tabor team, who stormed back to win the match 25-23, 25-23, and 15-13.
Freshman Bonnie Heinrichs (McPherson, Kan.) lead with 10 kills, while sophomore Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan.) and freshman Malerie Hertzler (Halstead, Kan.) contributed with nine, and eight kills, respectively.
"We just couldn't find a rhythm tonight," said Coach Vanessa Schroeder. "Tabor brought a level of intensity that we were unable to match."
Defensively, freshman Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan.) led the way with 21 digs.
The Larks host Cowley County (Kan.) Community College, ranked eighth in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association Division II poll, on Wednesday, October 1, at 6:30 p.m.
The first two weeks of October include five games against top competition for Hesston, including a home date against Butler County (Kan.) CC, ranked fourth in the country. Upcoming road games include a trip to Hillsboro, Kan., for a rematch with Tabor College JV, as well as matches at district foes Neosho County (Kan.) CC and Highland (Kan.) CC.
Larks finish 1-3 during Hesston Invitational
The Hesston College Volleyball team went 1-3 in the recent Hesston Invitational, putting the Larks at 7-10 for the season.
Sophomore middle blocker Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan.) continued her solid play throughout the tournament, as she was named to the all-tournament team. For the weekend, Hiebert held a .333 hitting percentage while averaging 1.43 blocks and nearly 4 kills per game.
"Kory continues to dominate at the net for our team," said Coach Vanessa Schroeder. "She has had a very solid and consistent season."
During Friday's action, the Larks fell to Dodge City (Kan.) Community College 15-25, 15-25, and 16-25, and Division III powerhouse Brookhaven (Texas) CC 25-23, 14-25, 11-25, and 16-25.
After a Saturday morning loss to Allen County (Kan.) CC 25-27, 15-25, and 17-25, the Larks responded with a win over Labette County (Kan.) CC by scores of 21-25, 25-20, 25-22, and 25-14.
"I was pleased with the dramatic improvement in serve reception throughout the weekend," added Schroeder. "Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan.) was a big factor in that. Krystal Hathaway (Goshen, Ind.) came off the bench in our last match to contribute in passing and defense and created great offensive options with her consistency. Sherrese Ediger (Meade, Kan.) also played a smart match against Labette."
The Larks return to action Monday night, September 29 when they host Tabor College JV. The match is set to begin at 7:00 p.m.
Hesston Invitational to feature second annual "Think Pink" fundraiser
For the second consecutive year, the Hesston College volleyball program will host "Think Pink," a fundraising event in which fans are encouraged to wear pink to signify support for breast cancer awareness.
Throughout the first day of the Hesston Invitational, held September 26 and 27 during Homecoming Weekend, a donation box will be available, with all proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.
The idea to host an awareness event came prior to last season when Debra Forshee, mother of 2008 Hesston College graduates and student athletes Jocelyn Forshee (volleyball) and Jessica Forshee (basketball), was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Hesston College volleyball coach Vanessa Schroeder hopes this year’s event will generate even more support than last year.
“Central National Bank (Hesston, Kan.) sponsored pink game jerseys for us this year,” said Schroeder. “The great thing is that we’ll be able to use them not only this year, but for future Hesston Invitational tournaments and other volleyball matches that feature breast cancer awareness.”
The Larks will sport their new pink jerseys after the Hesston Invitational, when they travel to Highland (Kan.) Community College for an October 10 district match, also a fundraiser event for breast cancer awareness.
Friday September 26, matches begin at 2, 4, 6, and 8 p.m. Coach Schroeder noted that matches will begin as soon as the previous ones end, and will likely run ahead of schedule.
Hesston kicks things off Friday with a match against district rival Dodge City (Kan.) Community College at 2 p.m. In the 8 p.m. nightcap, the Larks go up against Brookhaven (Texas) Community College, ranked number one in the nation in Division III, according to the latest National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) poll.
Saturday matches are scheduled for 9 and 11 a.m., as well as 1 and 3 p.m. Hesston is slated for the 11 a.m. match versus Allen County Community College, Iola, Kan.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation is a world leader in the fight to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all, and energize science to find the cures.
To date, the Komen Foundation has invested $1 billion in research, education and health services.
Larks fall at Kansas City (Kan.) Community College in district play
The Hesston College volleyball team lost in three games to Kansas City (Kan.) CC by scores of 23-25, 20-25, and 18-25. The loss puts the larks at 1-3 in district play, 6-6 overall.
Although there were bright spots, too many unforced errors led to the defeat.
"We aren't going to win matches when we have unforced errors," said Coach Vanessa Schroeder. "We simply can't beat ourselves if we expect to win."
Sophomore Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan.) led the way with six blocks and five kills, while freshman Malerie Hertzler (Halstead, Kan.) contributed five kills.
"I thought Taylor Fisher (Garden Plain, Kan.) stepped up defensively for us tonight," added Schroeder. "Our blockers did a nice job of slowing down the KCK offense."
The Larks are off until Wednesday, September 24 when district rival Coffeyville (Kan.) CC comes to town for a 6:30 p.m. match.
Larks fall at #5 Johnson County in district play
The Hesston College volleyball team lost in 3 games to Johnson County (Kan.) CC, ranked number 5 in division II of the NJCAA. Scores of the match were 7-25, 13-25, and 17-25.
According to Larks Head Coach Vanessa Schroeder, too many serving reception errors limited Hesston's consistency on offense.
"We weren't able to pass well tonight," said Schroeder. "It's something we've struggled with at times throughout the season."
Sophomore middle blocker Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan.) was her usual self, giving the opponent trouble at the net and on the attack. Hiebert ended the match with 14 kills and 4 digs, while freshman outside hitter Bonnie Heinrichs (McPherson, Kan.) led Hesston with 15 kills and 5 digs. However, the Larks could not do enough to slow down a powerful Johnson County team and are now 1-2 in district play.
"We have some girls moving into new positions," said Schroeder. "We will keep moving forward."
The Larks, now 6-5 overall, return to Kansas City for a match against Kansas City (Kan.) CC on Wednesday, September 17. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m.
Larks win at Labette CC, now 6-4 on the year
The Hesston College volleyball team came out strong against Labette County (Kan.) CC Wednesday night, winning the first game 25-13 en route to a victory in district play. After a close 27-25 advantage in the second game, the Larks put the match away with a 25-14 final game.
"Our passing was much improved and really jumpstarted our offense," said Coach Vanessa Schroeder. "Our setters played well tonight, allowing our hitters to be effective."
The Larks have shown improvements throughout the young season and were the aggressors against Labette. Freshman defensive specialist Sarah Masenthin (Harper, Kan.) led the Larks with ten digs and enjoyed a solid night of passing.
Offensively, sophomore Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan.) led the way with 18 kills, while outside hitters Bonnie Heinrichs (McPherson, Kan.) and Rachel Steckly (Milford, Neb.) each contributed seven.
"I was pleased with how Kory and Rachel stepped into new roles," commented Schroeder. "Jo Carlson did a great job of keeping the ball in play for us."
The win puts the Larks at 6-4 overall, including a 1-1 mark in district play.
Hesston plays at Johnson County (Overland Park) on Friday, September 12, starting at 6:30 p.m
Larks return 2-2 from Vernon Tournament
The Hesston College volleyball team returned home after a 2-2 showing at the Vernon College (Texas) Tournament.”
In their first match, Hesston defeated Richland College (Dallas, Texas) 18-25, 25-20, and 15-3. Following a 16-25, 23-25 loss to Division I opponent Clarendon College (Clarendon, Texas), the Larks fell to Navarro College (Corsicana, Texas) by scores of 30-32, and 15-25.”
According to Coach Vanessa Schroeder, game one against Navarro was the highlight of the tournament for Hesston.”
"Everything was clicking for us in game one," said Schroeder. "We gave a great effort against a tough Division I opponent and overall I was encouraged with our team's passing and execution." ”
Hesston finished out the tournament with a 25-18, 25-11 win over Cedar Valley (Lancaster, Texas). ”
Schroeder pointed out Bonnie Heinrichs (McPherson, Kan.) and Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan.) as key performers throughout the Vernon tournament. ”
"As a team, consistency is something we've struggled with," commented Schroeder. "We will need to keep working on that to be successful. Our decision making is improving, which is good to see." ”
The Larks return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 10, when they travel to Parsons, Kan., for a match against Labette County CC.
Larks drop home opener to Allen County CC
Just four days after Hesston College defeated Allen County on the road, the visiting Lady Red Devils turned the tables on the Larks, knocking off Hesston in 4 games; 25-21, 25-15, 20-25, and 25-23.
After winning the first game, Allen County used an 8-0 run late in the second game to seize control of the match after Hesston had closed to 13-11. Hesston rallied to win game three, but just missed out on an opportunity for a fifth and deciding game.
“This match was very uncharacteristic of our squad,” said Coach Vanessa Schroeder. “We were sluggish all evening and dug ourselves into some holes we couldn't get out of.”
Sophomore Kory Hiebert (Goessel, Kan.) led the Larks with 12 kills while contributing three blocks. Sophomore Rachel Steckly (Milford, Neb.) and Freshman Bonnie Heinrichs (McPherson, Kan.) contributed with seven and six kills, respectively.
“Kory was a bright spot at the net,” said Schroeder. “She played a smart game.I thought Abigail Paden (Newton, Kan.) also had a strong night at the net, leading the team in blocks with four.”
The loss puts the Larks at 3-2 on the season, as they prepare to head south to compete in the Vernon (Texas) College Tournament this weekend.