KOUTS | Senior Easten McNeill didn't want the season to end. Her team came out strong to prevent that from happening in the fourth game against Whiting, taking a 10-0 run in the last game to win.
"I just wanted to finish it, I wanted to win," McNeill said.
Host Kouts (17-9) defeated Whiting in four games, 25-23, 25-15, 22-25, 25-11 in the first round of the volleyball sectional and will meet Morgan Twp., 25-16, 25-10, 25-14 winners over Bowman Academy, in the next round.
"Easten took control tonight," Kouts coach Karyl VanDyke said. "She played with more aggression, and she attacked more."
McNeill had 11 blocks for the Fillies, while Sarah Clemens added 16 more in the win. Lexi Sippel chipped in 35 digs.
"After the loss (in the third game), we just wanted to come back and beat them. Coach is always telling us to step up," McNeill said.
Kaylyn Anderson led the Oilers (22-10) with 16 kills.
The sweep in the second game sets up a rematch against the Porter County Conference foes.
"It was good to get the first win, and to get this game out of the way," Cherokee coach Matt Bien said. "We had a good team effort, and it was good to see that.
"(Kouts) ended our season last year, and hopefully we can come out with a good effort."
Shelbi Westerhouse and Clair Sands led Morgan Twp. (7-14) with eight kills each. Kaley Lauder had nine aces during the game.
"We came together as a team and stepped up," Westerhouse said. "Everybody brought what we needed to win."
The Eagles ended their season with a 2-17 record.
"We lacked communication tonight," Eagles coach Janora Holes said.
Please Wait…