Dusters swirling to 6-1 start with sweep of McCook

McCook High sophomore Cali Crawford (above) flies high for another kill attempt against the Holdrege Dusters Thursday night. Crawford and senior Ashlyn Randel (left) helped McCook stay within striking range of the Dusters, who are now 6-1 this season. Below, junior Karstyn Porter keeps another ball in play for the home team. McCook will host two more Thursday and an invite on Saturday, Sept. 21. Watch for more details in the Gazette next week including a Bison Invitational schedule.

Maryann Kassner/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook’s plan for volleyball success might include some elements of the Holdrege Dusters whirlwind attack that arrived Thursday night.

“They have girls who’ve played a lot of volleyball together,” coach Trevor Hoins said following a 25-17, 25-20, 25-22 Duster victory in the McCook High gymnasium. “We’re getting closer. We just have to keep following the process.”

Holdrege now owns a 6-1 record to start this season as veterans like junior Emily Stutzman smashed 11 kills, made 17 digs and served four aces.

Maryann Kassner/McCook Gazette

Junior Carson Sundquist contributed 10 digs along with another eight kills.

The Bison (1-4) showed signs of matching Holdrege point for point after an admittedly “tough first set.”

Junior Abby Renner was gaining great momentum on her swings and sent some timely shots down that kept McCook within striking range.

Much like vs. Ogallala on Thursday, the Bison served aggressively but some key moments where those serves didn’t quite clear that home net.