Blue Dragons Battle Valiantly in Thrilling Five-Set Showdown Against Seward County

Information obtained from HCC officials

Blue Dragons Battle Valiantly in Thrilling Five-Set Showdown Against Seward County

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team delivered an electrifying performance, rallying heroically to force a fifth set against Jayhawk Conference rival Seward County before falling in a heart-stopping 3-2 defeat.

In a nail-biting finish, the Blue Dragons were held to .045 hitting in the decisive fifth set, losing 25-23, 18-25, 20-25, 25-17, 12-15 in a match that showcased incredible determination from both teams.

Despite the tough loss that moves Hutchinson to 9-8 overall and 2-4 in the Jayhawk Conference, the Blue Dragons proved their mettle by improving to 2-2 in five-set matches this season.

Dynamic outside hitters Lauren Vazquez and Alondra Villanueva powered the Blue Dragons' attack with 11 spectacular kills each against the Saints.

Vazquez was absolutely on fire, recording her fourth match with 10 or more kills and her second impressive double-double of the season, smashing 15 digs on 37 attacks for a .108 hitting percentage. Villanueva matched that intensity with her fifth outstanding double-double, contributing 12 digs while hitting .057 on 35 attacks.

The Blue Dragons got tremendous contributions across the board! Sophomore Priscilla Raschen erupted for a career-high nine kills on .147 hitting, while sophomore Jaylynn McNeill delivered nine kills on .148 hitting. Freshman sensation Mattie Galliher was unstoppable with seven kills on an amazing .375 hitting percentage, and sophomore Kierny Follmer chipped in five crucial kills.

Hutchinson dominated the stat sheet in several categories, out-hitting Seward County .130-.125 and crushing them on defense with 91 digs to the Saints' 76. The Saints managed nine service aces to Hutchinson's seven and out-blocked the Dragons 10-7.

Sophomore setter Angela Reupena orchestrated the offense beautifully, posting her second fantastic double-double of the season with 23 assists and 10 digs. Freshman setter Alexandra Garcia was equally impressive with 19 assists and nine digs, while freshman libero Clara Oliveira was a defensive dynamo, leading all players with 24 spectacular digs and adding seven assists.

Mariana Silva led Seward County's charge with 22 kills, while Nicolly Chaves contributed 15 kills.

The excitement continues as Hutchinson hosts the highly anticipated Blue Dragon Volleyball Classic beginning Friday at 1 p.m. against Tyler Junior College. The action-packed weekend features the Blue Dragons taking on Iowa Western at 5 p.m. Friday, Missouri State-West Plains at 9 a.m. Saturday, and the Southwestern College JV at 1 p.m. Saturday.