KEARNEY -- In the second of two regular-season meetings between the two Highway 92 rivals, Kearney volleyball once again came out on top over Smithville Tuesday, Oct. 15.
The Bulldogs defeated the Warriors 3-1 after a sweep for their first win over their Northland foe Sept. 26. Coach Kathryn Cash, whose squad also became the undefeated KC Suburban Blue Conference champions with the win, said she feels good heading into districts.
Smithville coach Dave Tyner said he knows his team has what it takes to put together a solid run.
"This year was the first year since 2010 that we were ranked first in districts," Cash said. "So we have something to prove, and, every minute of the day, they're proving it one play at a time."
"We're an inexperienced group, and they're making inexperienced mistakes," Tyner said. "That's hurting us, but they're getting better. So, excited about the future for them, for sure."
Kearney grabbed control with a 25-18 win in the first set. It didn't come easy, though, as Smithville built a 15-11 lead halfway through. After a timeout, the Bulldogs found new energy and went on a 14-3 run for the win.
"We tend to start out slow," Cash said. "We usually don't start out that slow, but I don't know, the girls just love the comeback story."
After just three points separated the two in Kearney's 25-22 win in the second set, Smithville responded with a 25-20 triumph in the third set.
"We were gradually improving each time," Tyner said. "We leveled out a little bit better in the second and third, managed to get the third going the right way, and then the fourth, I think the girls kind of hit a wall."
The Bulldogs would not be held from the win as they jumped out to an early 8-1 lead in the fourth set and eventually built it into a 25-11 win.
Kearney closes out the regular season on the road against Winnetonka at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17.
Smithville will finish its campaign at home against Grandview at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17.