By DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

An unblemished 10-0 record put the Goessel Bluebirds volleyball team at the top of the Class 1A Division 1 rankings in Kansas Volleyball Association poll released Sept. 17, and the team added four more match wins this past week.

Goessel got off to a slow start Sept. 16 against Rural Vista. The Bluebirds jumped to a 10-0 lead, only to see the Heat get as close as 20-16. The first set ended with a Goessel win, 25-18. The Bluebirds stayed in command in the second set, winning 25-8.

Against county rival Peabody-Burns, Goessel shot ahead by earning points from the serving line. The first set ended 25-7. Page Hiebert, Erin Brubaker and Alicen Meysing provided power at the net, and Olivia Duerksen and Brittney Hiebert played stellar defense. Alyssa Booton dished out the sets, and Makayla King, Eden Hiebert and Gentry Thiessen intimidated with powerful serves. Goessel defeated the Warriors in the second set, 25-10.

Thursday, the Bluebirds stepped away from the Wheat State League to tangle with the Eureka Tornadoes and Remington Broncos.

Goessel fell behind early against 3A Eureka, but tied the game at 17. The Bluebirds put together a variety of serving aces and power at the net to take the first set 25-19. Goessel jumped ahead in the second set, leading 14-8, and the Bluebirds scored two points for every Tornado tally to win the second set, 25-13.

Remington was ranked sixth in Class 2A by the KVA. The Bluebirds found out why, as Goessel saw a 6-1 lead disappear into an 8-12 deficit. Goessel fought its way back and escaped with a 25-23 win.

In the second set the Bluebirds gained a 10-point lead early and out-played the Broncos to a 25-14 win.

Goessel played at Little River on Tuesday, and will play Saturday at Olpe.