By Rafael Marquez

Struggles to close out sets hindered the Hays High Lady Rebels as they dropped their season opener to Leander Rouse in five sets Monday (25-21, 24-26, 25-17, 21-25, 10-15).

Monday’s match was the also the first game for the Lady Rebels under the guidance of new head coach Stephanie Coates. 

The Lady Rebels won first set by a score of 25-21. The Rebels looked dominating and looked like they could steamroll over the Lady Raiders. 

During the second set, the Raiders took an early lead, but the Rebels rallied back. Hays won a crucial point to bring the score to 13 all and then took the lead. Thanks, in part, to precise serves by Shanon Park, the Rebels rallied to a score of 24-19 before faltering and losing the second set to Rouse 26-24.

During the third set, the Rebels got their game back and won with a dominating score of 25-17. 

Rouse, went on to win the remaining 2 sets with a score of 25-21 and 15-10.

The Lady Rebels were the first team to break 20 points during every set, save the fifth. Despite being young, this Rebel volleyball team showed that it could be a contender this year. Park led the team with 11 kills, while junior Kathryn Wristen had 35 assists.