Volleyball team defeated at state tournament
Making it out of the sub-state tournament easily was not a omen of things to come Friday for the Hillsboro High School volleyball team in 3-A state competition in Salina.
The Trojans did not win a game all game, losing to Conway Springs 25-17, 25-11 in the first match. This was the third meeting of the two teams with the same results. Hillsboro lost to Rossville 25-11, 25-18 in the second match and to Lyons 25-5, 25-17 in the third match.
Conway Springs and Rossville made it out of pool play and Conway finished third in the tournament.
Many probably thought the young and inexperienced Trojans would not even make it into the state tournament.
"This was an awesome experience for coaches and players," said first-year head coach Sandy Arnold. "I wish we could have had a better showing at the tournament but we're a young and inexperienced team."
The teams they competed against played well against Hillsboro and the Trojans ended up playing on the defense a lot which took away their attack opportunities.
"I thought we played well against Conway Springs and Rossville when we were on the offensive," she said. "As along as we passed the ball well, we could attack. That's when we are at our best."
Arnold was assisted this year by Tina King and Terry Bebermeyer who she said are instrumental in the success of the team.
"I couldn't have made it through the season without the time and effort of my assistant coaches," Arnold said. "They were helpful in organizing and running their squads."
Arnold also appreciates the parental support.
"They stood beside us through thick and thin," she said.
"I need to thank all 28 girls for making my first year here a great one," said Arnold. "Everybody has been so supportive."
With a lot of talented players returning next year, Arnold thinks the future of Hillsboro volleyball looks bright.
