Fort Scott volleyball plays rare 3-set match

CHANUTE, Kan. -- Fort Scott High and Chanute played a rare 3-set volleyball match here Thursday night as the schools played their Southeast Kansas League finale. The host Blue Comets, ranked No. 3 in Class 4A by the Kansas Volleyball Association, swept the match, 25-15, 25-10, 25-12.

"The girls played tough considering this is one of the best teams in the state," Fort Scott Head Coach Carol Bingesser said. "We had worked hard on improving our blocking and taking full swings on every set. Even though the scores didn't reflect it, we battled and improved our play from the previous games. If we can play with this same intensity at the Anderson County Tournament and at Sub-State. the girls will be able to finish the season on a positive note."

This became a best-of-5 dual rather than the usual best-of-3 because Wichita Word of Life did not participate, even though it was listed on both teams' schedules when they were announced prior to the season. Word of Life was to have replaced Iola in what used to be a triangular since the Fillies switched to the Pioneer League before this school year began.

For the Tigers (1-5 SEK, 8-21 overall), who finished sixth in the seven-team Southeast Kansas League, Jillian Lattimer led with 5 kills and also had 2 blocks. Maddi Allen dished 6 assists and Meredith Hill handed out 5. Allen also had 2 blocks while Paige Denton came up with 6 digs and Katie Gorman had 5.

Chanute (6-0, 31-1) clinched the Southeast Kansas League championship with the win. The only loss the Comets suffered this season was to Valley Center (26-2), which is ranked No. 4 in Class 5A, at the El Dorado Tournament last weekend.

Fort Scott goes to Anderson County to conclude regular-season play at the Bulldogs' tournament this morning. Sub-State will be held at Pittsburg next Saturday.