From staff reports
sports@joplinglobe.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — College Heights bounced back in a big way on Saturday in the MSHSAA Class 2 Volleyball Championships.
CHC nudged Maryville 25-22, 29-27 for third place in Municipal Auditorium.
“It was rough,” Cougar coach Karla Gaines said of Friday’s 0-3 round-robin competition. “They were disappointed about how they played as a team. We couldn’t get a lot going.
“But today the girls ended on a high note,” Gaines said. “They wouid like to come back next year.”
Revenge surely was sweet for the Cougars. They had lost to Maryville 25-21, 25-22 on Friday.
“The girls played very well,” Gaines said. “They were excited. They played with a lot of heart.
“We were quicker with our defense,” Gaines said. “Our offense was good and aggressive. But the girls played much better on defense.”
Spring River Valley Conference champion CHC wound up 28-8-2 in reaching the four-team finals for the first time. The Spoofhounds lost for only the fourth time in 41 matches.
Makayla Fuller, a 5-foot-10 junior, had eight kills in a strong effort, Gaines said.
“Fuller really stepped up and played well,” Gaines said.
The Cougars, who had a better attack percentage than Maryville (.149 to .065), also received six kills from junior Kaylee Ohmart..
Kelsi Bodine, 5-10 and the only CHC senior, had 11 digs, a solo block and four kills. Missy Sterling, another junior, contributed 15 assists and seven digs. Ohmart added three aces.
“Obviously, we’ll miss Kelsi (Bodine),” Gaines said. “She’s been a tremendous captain and a mentor for the younger players. She’s been a great leader on and off the court.”
For Maryville, Jordan Stiens had nine kills, Rachel Tobin 21 assists and Leah Bostwick 12 digs.
Scott City, runner-up to Hermann last season, reversed that finish with a 25-19, 25-22 victory to avenge Friday’s 25-16, 25-19 loss.
