Lady ‘Dogs split at Parsons in first event of 2020

For the first time in the past several years, the Independence High School Lady Bulldogs volleyball team starts out the season with the roster in transition, as Head Coach Kristi Speicher lost a total of eight seniors to graduation. The new-look ‘Dogs traveled to Parsons last Thursday, September 3 to take on Labette County and the host Lady Vikings.

The triangular was originally scheduled as a quad at Pittsburg but the hosts had to quarantine due to a coronavirus scare, therefore the event was moved to Parsons.

In light of the roster turnover and the fact that Speicher is starting a pair of sophomores and a freshman, some growing pains are in order. However, the longtime IHS coach was pleased with the effort in the first live action of the fall.

“I was proud of my young team. Sure, we made mistakes that a young team makes but we also played pretty well at times throughout,” Speicher stated.

The Bulldogs beat Parsons 25-13, 25-17 before dropping a tough match to LCHS. The locals earned the first set 25-23 but then fell 22-25 and 20-25 to finish the day 1-1. Sophomore Abby Veile led the way with 17 kills, while senior Kayley Thorpe netted 15 service points in the opener.

“It was a good start. We need to keep improving and keep strengthening our bond as a team,” the IHS coach added.

Indy was back on the court Tuesday, September 8 at the Bluestem Triangular and will remain on the road for a dual at Newton on Thursday.