Hutchinson CC Sports Information

A tough five-set loss on Monday night at Barton slowed a late charge by the Hutchinson Community College volleyball team entering the final week of the 2018 regular season.

The Blue Dragons will look to pick up steam again with the Region VI Tournament beginning next week when the Independence Pirates come to the Sports Arena for a 6:30 p.m. Jayhawk West match on Wednesday in the final match of the regular season.

Wednesday night will be Sophomore Recognition Night. Before the game, Hutchinson's six sophomores – Raychel Reed, Cassidy Crites, Claira Creach, Lexi Hogan, Elena Takova and Peyton Gawith – will be honored.

Wednesday night is also Hutchinson Rec Commission Night with the Blue Dragons. Any HRC volleyball player who wears her jersey to the game will be admitted free.

The match will be streamed live by the Blue Dragon Sports Network at 6:30 p.m.

The 16-15 Blue Dragons are in third place by one-half game over Barton, which has two matches remaining against Butler and Independence on Saturday. With Monday's win by Barton, the Blue Dragons and Cougars split their season series.

Win or lose on Wednesday, the Blue Dragons will play at home in the first round of the Region VI Tournament, which begins on Tuesday, October 30 at the home of the top four seeds.

Independence is 8-17 overall and 5-9 in the Jayhawk West. The Pirate are currently sixth in the conference.

The Blue Dragons own a 3-0 win over Independence. Hutch defeated Indy 25-13, 25-15, 27-25 on September 24 at Independence.

Hutchinson hit .291 as a team with Hogan and Eden Hiebert leading the way with nine kills each and Takova had 8. Destiny Thomas had eight kills to lead Independence in the first meeting.