The Hitchcock-Tulare Patriots closed out the regular season with a four-set victory over the Wessington Springs Spartans, winning 25-21, 25-11, 21-25, and 25-9. The victory gave the Patriots a 16-14 regular-season record as they prepare for Region 1B postseason play.
Missed serves and unforced errors kept the Patriots from pulling away in the opening set. The Spartans stayed within reach throughout, but Hitchcock-Tulare made enough plays down the stretch to secure a 25-21 win.
The Patriots cleaned up their play in set two and took a more aggressive approach. With fewer mistakes and a strong offensive effort, Hitchcock-Tulare took control and rolled to a 25-11 victory.
Errors resurfaced in the third set, giving Wessington Springs an opportunity to extend the match. The Spartans capitalized and claimed a 25-21 win.
Hitchcock-Tulare responded decisively in the fourth set. The Patriots regained their consistency, limited mistakes, and controlled play on their way to a commanding 25-9 victory to finish the match.
A balanced attack powered the Patriots, with Keilee Schone, Emmerie Arthurs, and Paige McNeely each recording 10 kills. Tess Bixler added seven kills. Brynn Binger directed the offense with 21 assists, while Laina Puffer contributed 13.
The Patriots finished with 10 service aces, led by Puffer and Schone with three apiece. At the net, Schone recorded one solo block and one block assist. Rylee Knock and Bixler each added two block assists.
Olivia Knox anchored the back-row defense with 26 digs. Kaylie LaBrie and McNeely each contributed 11 digs to help keep the Patriots’ offense moving.
Hitchcock-Tulare now turns its attention to the postseason. The Patriots enter the Region 1B tournament as the No. 5 seed and will travel to Langford to face the No. 4-seeded Langford Lions. Match time is set for 6:00 p.m.