HESSTON, Kan. – The Hesston College volleyball team earned its second victory in a row in convincing fashion, sweeping Kansas Christian College 3–0 (25–8, 25–19, 25–17) in front of a lively homecoming crowd on Friday night (Sept. 26).
The Larks came out firing in the opening set, racing to a 7–0 lead behind strong serving from Marisa Branch, who recorded two early aces. Hesston controlled the tempo with a .647 hitting percentage in the set, paced by kills from Kennedie Esparza, Lydia Foster and Lillian Dolberry. The Falcons struggled to find rhythm, committing three service errors and managing just four kills, as Hesston closed the frame 25–8.
Kansas Christian found more footing in the second set, pushing the score to within two points late, but Hesston’s balanced attack proved too much. Layla Romero delivered five of her match-high 12 kills in the frame, while setter Audrey Garrison kept the offense humming with 13 assists in the set alone. The Larks closed the set 25–19 on a kill from Tanna Owens.
The third set saw Kansas Christian hang close early, but Hesston once again pulled away behind efficient hitting and steady passing. Esparza put down two key kills late in the set, finishing with nine kills on a blistering .727 hitting percentage. Foster chipped in seven kills and two aces, while Dolberry added nine kills of her own. Garrison ran the offense with 37 assists and three aces, and libero Kadence Taylor anchored the defense with seven digs .
As a team, Hesston hit .397 with 43 kills and eight service aces, while holding Kansas Christian to a .115 hitting percentage and just three aces.
The Larks will be back in action on Tuesday (Sept. 30) as they host Central Christian College for a JV/Varsity doubleheader starting at 5 p.m.
