Fort Scott volleyball takes pair

LaCYGNE, Kan. -- Fort Scott High School's volleyball team "Rose to the challenge," in the words of head coach Carol Bingesser here Thursday as they swept non-league matches in two sets each.

The Tigers defeated former Southeast Kansas League rival Iola 25-22, 25-14 and downed Prairie View 27-17, 26-24.

"I was extremely proud of the way we stayed into these matches mentally," Bingesser said. "We talked extensively about our mental toughness and how we needed to improve mentally before we could ever rich our potential."

Against Iola, which is now a member of the Pioneer League along with Prairie View, Brianne Lawrence and Sidney Maycumber recorded four kills and three blocks each. Maddi Allen dished five assists while Meredith Hill handed out five. Paige Denton had eight digs and Shelby Maycumber had five.

In the Prairie View match, the Tigers (3-4) trailed 20-15 in the second set when Bingesser decided to burn her last time out.

"I told the girls here is your opportunity to prove that you can mentally stay focused and finish this game," Bingesser said. "And they did, every girl did their part whether they were on the court or on the bench."

Ericah Shoemaker had eight kills for the Tigers. Allen had 12 assists while Hill dished six and Denton finished with 18 digs.

Fort Scott plays at home Thursday at 4:30 with Wellsville and Paola coming to the FSHS gymnasium for a triangular.