Bison finish top four at tourney, Trojans finish 2-1

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook finished a mega-volleyball week of seven matches with fourth place overall at Saturday’s Bison Invitational.

The Bison conquered three Kansas teams earlier last week before sweeping Valentine during Saurday’s opening round. All tournament scores appear at right.

McCook then stunned unbeaten Southwest with a beautiful 25-22 first-set victory.

The Bison were roaring whether it was big hits from senior Ashlyn Randel, sophomore Cali Crawford and others or senior libero Bailee Fawver making another super save.

However, the 13-0 eventual champ Roughriders responded as senior Allison Van Pelt’s ace serve started a 25-11 win.

The decisive third set was super tight until Southwest prevailed 25-23.

McCook (5-7 record overall) put on a similar good show against third-place match opponent Gering to close the home team’s tourney play.

However, Gering again won 25-23 then closed out the Bison in a strong second set.

“We played right with them (Gering) in that first set. It just wasn’t there in the second,” coach Trevor Hoins remarked on KICX radio. “But we finished 4-3 on the week which is good. You gotta be proud of the effort.”

“Afterwards, I told the girls that every game we played has been winnable if they want it,” he added. “We just have to keep pushing.”

Chase County (8-3 record) claimed second place to Southwest after great wins over Cambridge and Gering on Saturday.

Sadly, no individual stat leaders were obtained for either the McCook Bison or Longhorns.

Cambridge (7-7) rebounded from its loss to Chase to beat both Decatur Community-Oberlin (Kan.) and Alliance for fifth place.

Senior Erin Johnson’s 11 kills fueled that win over the Red Devils while sophomores Joslyn Holtze (seven) and Brooklyn Holtze (teamed) for four more lethal shots.

Johnson served two of the five Trojan aces while adding seven digs.

Brooklyn Holtze made a Trojan-best nine digs and sophomore Elisabeth Kubik eight.

Junior setter Mallory Springer delivered 24 assists.

The Trojans will be hosting Southern Valley tonight after those Eagles captured another tourney title Saturday.

Decatur Community swept Valentine for seventh place at the Bison Invitational. The Red Devils improved to 4-10 this season.