Following a two-set loss to Newton the Great Bend volleyball Panthers turned the tables and defeated Hillsboro in three sets.

The Panthers dropped 25-15 and 25-12 decisions to Newton.

In that match Camryn Dunekack led the offensive effort with six kills while Baylee Beck paced defenders with 12 digs. Dunekack saddled three blocks in the effort.

“Newton is an all around good team,” said coach Kelsey Perry. “They proved why they are a top ranked team. They have a frontline with four six-foot girls and that is really hard to break through. We had some mental blocks against them and couldn’t find a way to score points.”

Great Bend dropped the opening set to Hillsboro in a 25-22 decision. The Panthers recovered and took the final two sets by scores of 25-23 and 26-24.

Dunekack had the hot hand sporting a double double 12 kills and 18 digs. Morgan Kottas had 10 kills and tied Dunekack with 18 scoops. Kate Warren notched 10 kills while Brittnee Barber added 32 assists and 15 digs. Beck tallied 19 digs to lead the defense.

“Our game plan was to limit their touches in serve receive and to be aggressive offensively so they would be out of system,” said Perry. “The first set we struggled with that. We let them touch the ball too many times and they took advantage of our mistakes. The second and third sets we were aggressive and confident. We challenged each player individually to do what it takes to stop them and every player stepped up.”

In JV action Great Bend dropped two close matches to Newton and Hillsboro. The freshmen fell in three matches in Dodge City.

The Panthers head to Smith Center on Tuesday and then host the WAC Tournament Saturday, Oct. 17th.