Hutchinson CC Sports Information
STERLING, Colorado – Saturday had a slow start for the No. 17-ranked Hutchinson Community College Volleyball team, but it closed strong on the final day of the Northeastern Junior College Sheila Worley Invitational at the Bank of Colorado Event Center.
Facing another rugged weekend schedule dotted with three nationally ranked opponents, the Blue Dragons finished 2-2 for the weekend after splitting matches on Wednesday.
In a rematch of a five-set season-opening loss to No. 4 Indian Hills, the Warriors dominated the Blue Dragons on Saturday with a 25-21, 25-10, 25-18 victory. The Blue Dragons then faced tournament host and 19th-ranked Northeastern and finished the weekend with a four-set win over the Plainsmen, 25-23, 16-25, 28-26, 25-23.
Hutchinson is now 15-5 heading into a Wednesday Jayhawk West road match at Colby, the Blue Dragons' only action of the entire week.
NJC RECAP
Middle blockers Anna Dean and Blondie Penaflor led the way for the Blue Dragons to capture their third victory of the season over a nationally ranked opponent. Hutchinson is 3-5 against ranked competition this season.
Dean had 11 kills and three total blocks to pace the Blue Dragons. Penaflor was right behind with nine kills and five total blocks. Alejandra Briseno also had nine kills.
Setter Andrea Serrano had 35 assists to guide a balanced offensive attack for the Blue Dragons. Serrano posted her fifth double-double of the season with 11 digs.
Morgan Harvey finished with 15 digs to lead the Dragons on the back row. Perrine Blanc had eighth digs. Harvey and Samantha Saunders had two service aces each.
Hutchinson had 13 team blocks and seven service aces.
INDIAN HILLS RECAP
The Blue Dragons couldn't generate a consistent offense against the Warriors.
Briseno led the Dragons with six kills. Sophie Connor and Dean had four kills each and Taniya Golden had three kills.
Serrano had only 17 assists. Harvey had 10 digs and three service aces.