Hutchinson rallies from late deficits to defeat Seward County 3-1

LIBERAL, Kan. — Hutchinson Community College rallied from late deficits in three sets to defeat Seward County 3-1 on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Green House, earning the Blue Dragons' seventh road victory of the season.

Hutchinson won 28-26, 26-24, 17-25, 25-22 to split the season series with the Saints.

The Blue Dragons (14-15, 7-7 KJCCC) moved into a tie for sixth place in the Jayhawk Conference with Seward County entering the final week of the regular season.

Hutchinson erased a 21-16 deficit in the opening set, using an 8-3 run to tie the score at 24. The Blue Dragons fought off two set points before winning 28-26. Alondra Villanueva had five kills in the set to lead the comeback.

The Dragons trailed 21-18 in the second set before outscoring Seward County 8-3 to take a 2-0 match lead.

After the Saints dominated the third set, holding Hutchinson to negative-.059 hitting, the Blue Dragons faced a 19-14 deficit in the fourth set. Jaylynn McNeill and Atlyn Proctor sparked an 11-3 closing run, with McNeill recording six kills on .667 hitting and Proctor adding five kills on .333 hitting in the set.

Two Blue Dragons reached double figures in kills in a balanced offensive attack.

Villanueva finished with a team-high 15 kills on 48 attacks and posted her team-high 14th double-double of the season with 10 digs. McNeill hit .370 for the match with 14 kills on 27 attacks. Proctor had nine kills on .200 hitting, while freshman Mattie Galliher added eight kills on .270 hitting and led the team with four blocks.

Sophomore setter Angela Reupena and freshman setter Alexandra Garcia each recorded 23 assists and four digs.

Freshman libero Clara Oliveira led the defense with 20 digs. Freshman defensive specialist McKenzye Williamson had 10 digs, and sophomore Priscilla Raschen added nine.

Hutchinson will host Dodge City at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the Sports Arena for Sophomore Recognition Night.