Staff writer
Goessel kept its record unblemished Saturday by sweeping five opponents in the Olpe round-robin tournament.
The Bluebirds did not encounter much defense at the net from Madison/Hamilton in their first match on Saturday. Goessel cruised to 25-15 and 25-3 wins.
Next up for the Bluebirds was Bishop Seabury of Lawrence, ranked by the Kansas Volleyball Association as eighth in Class 2A.
The Seahawks forced a Bluebird timeout by getting ahead 9-4. Alicen Meysing helped bring the Bluebirds back with her hitting, with Alyssa Booton taking passes to set up Bluebirds hitters. Olivia Duerksen got a solo block to tie at 19. Goessel played strong defense, with Aleena Cook going to the floor for saves, to take a 23-20 lead. Eden Hiebert blocked a Seahawk hit to win 25-22.
Bishop Seabury lacked intensity in the second set. Page Hiebert hit with precision while Brittney Hiebert bludgeoned kills from the middle. All the Bluebirds seemed to find success in this set, as Goessel won 25-12.
Goessel controlled Wabaunsee throughout the third match, winning 25-12, 25-14. The Bluebirds continued their dominance against Northern Heights, scoring a 25-12, 25-11 match win.
Against host Olpe, ranked 10th in Class 2A, Goessel found itself in a back-and-forth match. With the score knotted 9-9, the Bluebirds rallied for seven consecutive points. The Eagles had no answers as Goessel ripped off several more points, and the Bluebirds won 25-14.
Goessel jumped out to a 10-2 lead in the final set of the day. Page Hiebert served well, Booton hit a winner from the back row, Duerksen slapped a winner from the middle, and Goessel was in control 12-3. Brittney Hiebert blocked an Eagle hit, and Meysing and Eden Hiebert hit winners as Goessel coasted to an undefeated day 25-13.
Other matches
Goessel played Hesston in a best of five match on Sept. 21 and won in three games against the No. 2-ranked team in Class 3A.
The teams were tied 17-17 in the first game when the Bluebirds out-scored the Swathers 8-3 to take the first game 25-20. Goessel jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second set, then consistently put up good blocks on defense and won 25-14. In the third set the Bluebirds took advantage of Swather errors and built a 10-6, then played with intensity to take the third game 25-12.
Goessel dominated Wheat State League teams Solomon and Little River on Sept. 22. The Bluebirds breezed through the match with Solomon, winning 25-8, 25-6. Goessel took command early against Little River, winning 25-4, 25-11.
Goessel is now 5-0 in the league and 21-0 overall for the season. They played Wakefield on Tuesday, and will be at the Canton Invitational on Saturday.