By Staff for www.mcpherson-county-ks.com
MCPHERSON – The McPherson High volleyball program opened their 2022 season on Saturday hosting a section of the Pre-Season AVCTL (Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League) Tournament and finished fourth among six teams.
Hosting the McPherson Pool of the tournament, the Lady Bullpups finished the day 2-3 for fourth place behind Andover Central at 5-0, Newton (4-1), and Emporia (3-2). Campus and Dodge City tied for fifth with records of 1-4.
The other two events of the Pre-Season AVCTL Tournament were held at Hutchinson at Goddard Eisenhower.
McPherson opened the day with a straight set 15-25, 16-25 loss to Newton before bouncing back for a straight set win over Dodge City 25-20, 25-11.
The Lady Bullpups then lost both of their next two matches in straight sets, first to Emporia 18-25, 21-25 followed by Andover Central 19-25, 13-25 before closing out the season opening weekend with a three-set victory over Campus, losing set one 20-25 and then winning the final two sets of the day 25-17, 25-23.
Junior Ava Romero had a strong opening day of competition by leading the Lady Bullpups in Kills with 23, Assists with 80, Aces with seven, and adding in 26 digs as well.
Sophomore Haely Hagemann also looked strong in the opening matches as she recorded 22 kills, hit for five aces, made five blocks and scored 29 digs. Brooke Doile chipped in with 21 kills and five blocks while Josie Fitzmorris topped McPherson in digs with 30.
Next up for the Lady Bullpups will be a road trip to Winfield on Tuesday, August 30 for a triangular with Winfield and Andale.
(The Staff covering McPherson County Activities can be reached by email at crossdovewriter@gmail.com)