Columbus falls to Hillcrest in volleyball on Parents’ Night

COLUMBUS JUNCTION — The Columbus Wildcats started on a roll for Parents’ Night in a volleyball match against Super Conference North Division foe Hillcrest Academy Tuesday.

Columbus breezed out to a 25-17 set win but the Ravens turned the tables and took the second set 25-13. The third set was a battle but Hillcrest prevailed 25-23, then won the fourth set 25-21.

“The first set was rough, getting used to a new rotation after last week’s injury,” Hillcrest head coach Brandon Statler said. “From then on, we got it done. Not the prettiest win ever, but some clutch plays got us through. Our own service errors almost led to tragedy, but Kylee Statler had seven service aces that were game changers in winning two sets.”

Hillcrest’s Esther Hughes had 10 kills and Statler four while Malia Yoder hit seven kills.

Columbus parents saw Victoria Howell connect on nine kills and Lily Coil eight. Sera Vela had 15 assists and Aracely Garza hit four kills. Noemy Navarra had six ace serves and Miriam Ruvacalba four. Isabelle Lagunas had seven digs. Faith Barnhart had two kills and an assist.

Hillcrest is 7-19 overall, 3-4 in the North while Columbus falls to 3-18, 1-6. Hillcrest hosts Highland Thursday while Columbus is at Lone Tree.