Tough going for No. 18 'Hounds at Iowa Western

FORT DODGE, Iowa -- Fort Scott Community College's volleyball team, ranked No. 18 in the NJCAA Division II poll, found the going tough here over the weekend at the Iowa Western Invitational.

The Greyhounds lost three of their four matches, two of those to other ranked teams, and fell to 28-8 on the season. Since the end of a 15-match winning streak that put them at 21-2, the 'Hounds have won just seven of the last 13.

Fort Scott's only win came against Ellsworth (Iowa) on Friday afternoon, 25-20, 25-20, 25-15. Julia Stringer led with 9 kills followed by Molly Hothan with 8. Kortney Blaufuss handed out 34 assists. Terina Harris had 14 digs while Brandi Huesman had 12. Sheri Middleton recorded 3 solo blocks and 4 assists for a total of 7.

Host Iowa Central defeated Fort Scott later Friday, 25-19, 25-16, 26-24. Julia Stringer had 9 kills for the 'Hounds. Blaufuss dished 30 assists. Shelbey Baker led in digs with 11 followed by Harris with 10.

Saturday morning, Fort Scott fell to D-II No. 9 Kirkwood, 19-25, 25-17, 25-11, 25-17. Stringer had 17 killls while Blaufuss was credited with 47 assists. Baker and Harris each had 22 digs followed by Huesman with 17, Emily Bruce 16, and Blaufuss with 13.

In the final match, Des Moines Area, ranked No. 11 in Division II, got by Fort Scott 25-21, 25-22, 13-25, 25-20. Stringer had 12 kills for the 'Hounds while Baker had 11. Bruce came up with 21 digs while Harris, Huesman and Baker each had 11.

The Greyhounds played in Nevada against Cottey College Monday night and will host Allen in the final match of the regular season Wednesday night at 6 p.m. in Arnold Arena.