Freshman Vazquez Shines in Debut Start as Hutchinson Extends Winning Streak to 19

CONCORDIA — In a breakout performance that showcased the future of Blue Dragons volleyball, freshman outside hitter Lauren Vazquez delivered her first career double-double in spectacular fashion, powering Hutchinson Community College to a thrilling 3-1 victory over Cloud County on Wednesday night at Arley Bryant Gym.

Making her first start of the season, Vazquez electrified the court with 13 kills and 16 digs while hitting an impressive .310, including a dominant .643 clip in the final two sets that helped seal the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference triumph.

The Blue Dragons overcame a sluggish start to defeat the Thunderbirds 25-23, 20-25, 25-16, 25-12, extending their remarkable winning streak over Cloud County to 19 consecutive matches.

After struggling to a .149 hitting percentage through the first two sets, Hutchinson exploded offensively in the second half, posting a combined .500 hitting percentage in sets three and four. The turnaround was nothing short of spectacular, with the Dragons recording 29 kills and just two attack errors in the final two frames.

"The difference was night and day between the first half and second half," said a team spokesperson. Vazquez led the charge with nine kills and zero errors on 14 attacks in those decisive final sets.

The victory improved Hutchinson's record to 6-6 overall and 2-3 in KJCCC play, bringing them back to the .500 mark after a challenging start to the conference season.

Vazquez wasn't the only star for the Blue Dragons. Sophomore Jaylynn McNeill contributed 12 kills while hitting .409, and sophomore Atlyn Proctor added eight kills and two blocks. The offensive balance continued with freshman Mattie Galliher (.384 hitting percentage, seven kills) and sophomore Alondra Villanueva (seven kills, five total blocks).

The Dragons' attack was orchestrated brilliantly by their setting tandem. Freshman Alexandra Garcia tallied 27 assists, four digs and two aces, while sophomore Angela Reupena added 25 assists and two digs.

Defensively, freshman libero Clara Oliveira anchored the back row with 14 digs and an ace. Sophomore middle Kierny Follmer dominated at the net with five total blocks, including one solo rejection.

The match showcased Hutchinson's resilience and growth. After splitting the first two sets in dramatic fashion — winning a back-and-forth first set 25-23 before struggling to a .000 hitting percentage in a 25-20 second-set loss — the Dragons found their rhythm when it mattered most.

The third set proved to be the turning point. Trailing 5-2 early, Hutchinson roared back behind Vazquez's exceptional play. The freshman tallied six kills without an error on nine attacks in the set, helping the Dragons hit .517 as a team to take a commanding 25-16 victory.

The fourth set was pure domination. Hutchinson jumped out to a 6-1 lead and never looked back, hitting .480 while adding three blocks in their most decisive set victory of the season.

The Dragons finished with impressive team statistics: a season-high .338 hitting percentage on 57 kills, eight team blocks and six ace serves.

Looking ahead, Hutchinson will face a challenging test at the Eastern Wyoming Classic this weekend in Torrington, Wyoming, where they'll take on Central Wyoming, North Idaho, Eastern Wyoming and Colorado Northwestern.

With performances like Vazquez's debut start leading the way, the Blue Dragons appear poised to build on this momentum as the season progresses.