Bison rally past 'Maker challenge to claim split of tri

McCook junior Bailee Foster (8) shows her grrr!!! game face while going for the kill against Cambridge top senior blocker-hitter Erin Johnson (12) Tuesday.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook’s volleyball girls are getting good at bringing their brooms as both varsity and reserve teams swept matches from Cozad Tuesday.

The Bison varsity shook off a tough 26-24 first-set loss to win 25-16, 25-17 over a young but improving Haymaker squad.

Junior Jaylea Walgren warmed up and really started ripping hits off assists from classmate/setter Karstyn Porter.

Meanwhile, sophomore Cali Crawford continues being one of the best Bison hitting/blocking stars with classmate Morgan Griffin gradually rising among these lethal weapons for coach Trevor Hoins.

“They (Cozad) did some funky blocking. Some single blocks. They’re going to be a good team in a couple of years,” Hoins observed about the 4-14 Haymakers. “But we are a young team as well especially at the hitting positions. I thought we did some good things.”

The Bison (8-9 record) prevailed even though senior Ashlyn Randel missed Tuesday’s tri after rolling her ankle. Senior Bailee Fawver was on her feet or sprawled out to make her usual array of defensive saves. Juniors Bailee Foster and Abby Renner were also key contributors once again.