Warriors struggle, but improve at home tourney
Sports reporter
Although the losses at the tournament gave Marion a 2-12 record, the team is actually undefeated in Mid-Central Activities Association play, after it defeated Ellinwood Sept. 11 in two games, 25-15 and 25-19.
Despite losing a close match to Smoky Valley the same night by scores of 27-25, 27-25, it did not count as a league match.
Since teams play each other more than once during the season, the league sets which ones count as league matches before the season starts.
The Ellinwood match counted as league play, leaving MHS with a 1-0 record in the MCAA.
Even without injured starter Lindsay Hett, Versch thought his team came out strong.
"(They) played well throughout the night, even though they lost to Smoky Valley," he said.
Versch said strong hits from Kayley Heerey and Julia Zeiner set the tone for the Warriors offense all night.
He also was happy with the steady play of Lauren Helmer and Kristen Waner, good serving from Austin Percell, and with Kimber Hardey for stepping in for the injured Hett.
The victory doubled last season's total, and while it wasn't soured from the close loss to the Vikings, Versch would have loved to see his team come away with two victories.
He was proud the girls played well in the second game of the match after losing a close game.
"The second game could have been a disaster for us after losing the first game," Versch said, "but the girls rebounded, and again had the opportunity to get another win, but just could not put them away. We really need to learn how to finish a match."
The Warriors were in action Tuesday at Hesston, and hit the court again Tuesday at the Sterling triangular.
