Kats Went on the Road

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  The team huddles together to listen to Head Coach Ashtyn Henkes during a timeout against Runge. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

  The team huddles together to listen to Head Coach Ashtyn Henkes during a timeout against Runge. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
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  Sydnie Krueger swings from the middle in the match against the Yellowjackets.

  Sydnie Krueger swings from the middle in the match against the Yellowjackets.
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  Brilye Campbell jumps to block against Runge in the first set.

  Brilye Campbell jumps to block against Runge in the first set.
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  Grace Stehling attacks from the middle with Avery Martin in the background.

  Grace Stehling attacks from the middle with Avery Martin in the background.

The Kitty Kats went on the road this week, playing against Tidehaven on Tuesday, Aug. 20 and participating in the Kenedy Tournament on Friday and Saturday.

The face off with Tidehaven was thrilling but unfortunately the close battle ended in a loss for Yorktown. This was a familiar matchup; the Kitty Kats played the Bulldogs in pool and bracket play of the South Texas Showdown the week prior. The Kats showed improvement from the previous meeting, forcing the Bulldogs to a five set match, 25-17, 17-25, 26-24, 20-25, 15-17. Yorktown finished 2-1 in pool play at the Kenedy Tournament, with two victories over Nordheim and Kenedy and a loss to Karnes City. The Kitty Kats faced Runge at the start of bracket play. Yorktown’s good serving propelled them back in the set after being down by three. With Runge trailing, 9-4, and senior Nina Villarreal serving back to back aces, the Yellowjackets called their first timeout. They signaled their second timeout when Braleigh Dodds was serving and the Kitty Kats were utilizing Sydnie Krueger from the middle. The set was put away by a kill from the right side by Claire Person, 25-17.

Carly Weischwill put the ball down to give the advantage to Yorktown to start the second set. Lorelai Gowens scored from the outside position, giving the Kitty Kats point 24 and Malyshia Thomas served an ace to conclude the match, 25-18. Runge’s weapon was their ability to block out of the middle position.

The eventual tournament winners, Falls City, defeated the Kitty Kats later in the competition, 25-10, 2513. Yorktown played for third place but fell short to Runge, 25-20, 25-19.