The Bearcat volleyball team started their season with a sweep over Republic County Aug. 29.

In the first match of the night, the team dominated from the start. They won in two sets, 25-13 and 25-21. Using the momentum from the first win, the Cats were able to continue that winning mindset the rest of the night. They won the second match in two sets as well, 25-13, 25-8.

The team consists of seven senior players. The leadership exhibited the first competition night, from not only the seniors but the underclassmen as well, was one of many strengths that led to the team’s success. Head coach Amy Johnson felt the teamwork on the court was crucial to the win over the Buffs.

“We really played united,” Johnson said. “As a team, we passed the ball well and were very aggressive offensively. It was a fun night for our entire team, as we got a clean sweep against Republic County.”

In order to achieve a “clean sweep,” victories are required from all levels varsity, JV and C-team.

JV won both matches in two sets. The first match ended 25-22, 25-23 and the second 25-22, 25-15.

The C-team finished both matches in two-set victories as well, winning 25-21, 25-17 in the first and 25-15, 30-28 in the second.

In the triangular at home Aug. 31, the Bearcats lost to the Beloit Trojans and the Ellinwood Eagles.

The first match of the night, the Bearcats faced the Trojans. The team was unable to make much happen against Beloit, as Beloit was able to work their offense and challenge the Cats’ defense. The Cats lost 25-10, 25-13.

“Beloit had a faster offense and we had a hard time adjusting to that,” Johnson said. “They have great outside hitters who do a really good job of placing the ball.”

The second match of the night took place against Ellinwood. After facing Ellinwood at the Little River Jamboree Aug. 24, the Bearcats were more prepared to face them. However, they were unable to pull off a win against the Eagles in this competition either.

“We definitely got better through the night, as Ellinwood had a fast offense too,” Johnson said. “We made some adjustments and worked hard to be more aggressive ourselves. We passed better against Ellinwood, especially in the second set.”

The JV lost their first match against Beloit in two sets, 25-11, 25-11. Their second match against Ellinwood went into three sets, losing the first set 25-13 and winning the second 25-21. However, the Eagles took the victory over the Bearcats in the third set, 15-8.

The C-team traveled to the Salina South tournament Sept. 2 where they went 1-3 for the day.

The team’s record for the day does not reflect the work and fight they put into every set of every match they played.

In the first match, The Bearcats lost in three sets to Junction City. They won the second match in two sets versus Smith Center. The team lost each of the last two matches of the day in three matches to Salina South and McPherson.

“These girls definitely got better, losing three heartbreakers in three sets to bigger teams and beating Smith Center,” Johnson said.

Reflecting on a busy first week of volleyball and looking forward to the rest of the season, Johnson said, “Our team is truly a family. This will help us through our challenges, and if we continue to work hard, we are going to improve every day. One of our biggest strengths is that we are a well-rounded team with all the girls working toward a common goal.”