With an abbreviated tournament format this year, the Maize Invitational was divided into pool play and the Lady Buffs of Garden City came home with a solid 2-1 record.
That allowed coach Trista Bailey’s squad to even their season record at 7-7 after a 1-5 start.
The Lady Buffs lost to Newton for the second time this year in their opening match by scores of 25-21, 25-7. But they bounced back to defeated Goddard-Eisenhower, 20-25, 25-18, 25-16 in a three-set marathon and then capped off the day with a a 25-23, 25-17 triumph over Derby.
“Despite getting off to a slow start, I was proud of how our kids bounced back and competed today,” Bailey said Saturday after the tourney concluded. “I think they handled themselves extremely well and represented Buffalo volleyball in a positive way.”
Leading the offensive effort for the Buffs was senior Julie Calzonetti, who finished with 20 kills in the three matches and also added 22 digs. Abby Parr had 27 digs and McKenna Jagels added 22. Mya Cruz totaled 38 assists and 16 digs.
“Overall, we are starting to develop and identify and figure out who does what well,” Bailey said. “By sorting those things out, we can find ways to capitalize on our strengths and execute what we need to.”
The Lady Buffs will not return to action again until Sept. 29 when they travel to Dodge City to face the Lady Red Demons and the Liberal Lady Redskins in a WAC triangular.
Garden City High School 