BonnerSprings.com

The Bonner Springs volleyball team closed out the regular season Tuesday at home with a three-game loss to Kaw Valley League rival Tonganoxie.

The first game was close, but the Chieftains prevailed 25-21. Tonganoxie then cruised through the next two games, 25-12, 25-13, to close out the match.

“The first set was really good,” BSHS coach Heather Campbell said. “We were on our toes and we were playing with intensity and as a team. And although we lost that first set, I felt like we hung right with them.

“One thing we need to get better still this week is when we earn the side-out point and have done something well, then we need to build on that and make it a goal to score the next point when we have the serve.”

Campbell said the strong first game is something her team can build upon.

“Hopefully that first set was encouraging to the girls that if we play well and do not have any mental breakdowns then we can play with the best teams in our conference and at regionals,” Campbell said.

Campbell hopes that confidence will carry through at the Class 4A regional tournament Saturday at St. James Academy. The regional includes three-time defending state champion and 2010 Prep Volleyball national champion St. James, so Campbell said she is taking a realistic approach to the tournament.

“I want us to play well and leave it all on the court and have fun playing volleyball one last time,” she said. “Getting another win or two on Saturday will simply add to the successes we have already had this year.”

Among those successes is a winning record. The program won just nine matches in 2009 and improved to 17-19 in 2010. At 20-17 right now, the Braves are assured of having a winning record.

“It’s a great feeling to not just be over .500, but to hit 20 wins,” Campbell said.

Bonner Springs will open the substate tournament against Sumner Academy. Match times have not yet been released, but will be posted online as soon as they become available.

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