Seward Dominates Dragons at Hutchinson

Liberal, KS – When the Lady Saints first arrived at the Hutchinson Sports Arena the lights were lightly dimmed and there was no one in the stands. That would shortly change as warm ups began and the Blue Dragon faithful started to pile in to watch the Number 1 ranked team in the nation. The Lady Saints came into the game on a 6 game winning streak and had not lost a set throughout the first 6 games and the Blue Dragons were eager to change all of the above.

The first set the Lady Saints were out to an early battle leading 6 to 5, but quickly they began to go on a run to lead 20 – 15 and close out the set winning the last 5 out of 8 points. Winning the first set 25 -18 the Lady Saints were lead in kills by Sophomore Djuly Schmorantz with 5 in the set and the freshman Yanlis Feliz right behind her with 4 kills.

Entering into the second set the Lady Saints looked to get their groove, jumping out to a 6 to 2 lead and the Blue Dragons and forced them to take an early timeout. It would not mess up the momentum already built up by the Lady Saints, with in minutes they were up 17 – 11 and had taken the home crowd out of the game. Taking 8 out of the last 12 points the Lady Saints claimed the second set 25 – 15 and were feeling confident entering the third set.

The Blue Dragons came out in the third set eager to take a set against the No. 1 team in the nation. Early on in the third set the Blue Dragons made it known that it would be a battle for the third and final set. With the Blue Dragons taking a 6 to 5 lead the Blue Dragon faithful in attendance became louder and louder with each point they would win. Trailing the Blue Dragons 12 – 8 Yanlis Feliz would serve to get the Lady Saints back in front but only by one. The third set would continue to be a battle with the Lady Saints either leading by one or becoming tied again with the Blue Dragons. With the crowd roaring with each point the Lady Saints kept their composer as they have been all season. Leading 21 – 20 they once again showed their determination to win and conclude the match on 4 straight points. In the third set it was Yanlis Feliz leading the charge with 6 kills in the set, and Djuly Schmorantz with 4 kills.

With the road victory against one of the top teams early on in the Jayhawk west conference and once again in straight sets shows that this team is indeed something special. The way they can come together during the match with to close out the set or match, shows this teams will to win is unmatched. Having a bond with one another to talk things through on the court and fix minor mistakes mid match shows why this team can prevail match after match. With some tough games approaching next weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada starting at 1pm CT on Friday September 13th vs. Miami Dade, currently ranked #4 in the Nation. Stay tuned for even more exciting matches as the non conferences schedule will be a constant battle with top seeds.

Kenny Hernandez