For their first matches at home for the 2023 season, the Sabetha Lady Jays welcomed the Royal Valley Panthers and the Jeff West Tigers to town on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Sabetha came away with two wins after defeating both teams in just two sets.

“We played great this night,” said Head Coach Abby Stueve. “Jeff West and Royal Valley have height, vertical and power. This group of athletes powered through self doubt and adversity and would take a 2-0 win over both of those teams. I’ve said about this team before and I’ll say it again; this team is going to make great strides this season. I am excited about what I’m seeing on and off the court. I have no doubt this team will compete.”

Royal Valley

Sabetha took on Royal Valley for the opening match of the night. Sabetha’s offense and defense came together and defeated the Panthers, 25-21 and 25-21, in straight sets.

Juniors Erin Boltz and Aubrey Schmelzle led Sabetha’s hitting attack with 19 and 14 good hits, respectively, and 11 and 12 kills, respectively. Senior libero Camryn Duryea tallied 13 serve receives and four digs, while Boltz tallied 10 serve receives and five digs during the match. Seniors Mya Grimes and Alexia Hayden also racked up four digs during the win. Hayden led the team in assists and good serves with 11 and nine, respectively.

Jeff West

In their next match, Sabetha met up with Jeff West, and also defeated them in straight sets, 25-16 and 25-23.

Again, Boltz and Schmelzle led the Lady Jays hitting attack with 18 and 11 good hits, respectively. Grimes tallied 10 assists and nine good serves, while Hayden tallied six assists and nine good serves.

Boltz and Duryea led the Jays defense with 11 and nine serve receives, respectively. Schmelzle and Boltz also racked up six digs each in the win.