by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — The double dual in Rose Hill Tuesday was huge for the Wellington girls volleyball program. For it was a barometer of where the team is and still needs to go.

Wellington would split Tuesday, losing to Rose Hill 25-13, 25-18. The Lady Dukes rebounded to beat Wichita Collegiate 25-16, 25-17. Wellington had previously lost to the Spartans two weeks ago at home.

With the split, Wellington is now 20-8, marking its first 20-win season ever. 

Wellington is also second currently in the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Div. IV. For full standings click on story here.

“We played well against Collegiate – much better than the previous game against them,” said Alison Widen, Wellington head volleyball coach. “We were not at all against Rose Hill.”

“Our serve receiving passing couldn’t have been better, but our hitting in the Rose Hill game was off. We couldn’t get anything to fall.”

It is getting crunch time for the Wellington volleyball team. The Crusaders will play in the Circle Triangular next Tuesday which will include an all important match with Andale.

Then on Saturday, Oct. 18, Wellington will participate in the Clearwater Tournament.

Wellington travels to Buhler to play the host and Andale again on Oct. 21.

That sets up the Class 4A Div. I sub-state in Wellington which will include Andale, Winfield and Mulvane.

There is a possibility Wellington will see Andale on three different occasions down the stretch.

Andale has yet to play Wellington this season. The two teams were in one tournament together at the season opening Winfield eight-team event, but neither team played the other.

Earlier this season, Rose Hill battled Andale. That was a three-set match with Andale winning 26-24, 13-25, 25-22. That was played in a double dual in McPherson on Sept. 16.

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