Conqs beat Lamar (Colo.), set sights on Seward

The Dodge City Community College Conquistador volleyball team took a three-set victory in a home match against Lamar (Colo.) CC Runnin' Lopes Tuesday that may have been more about preparation for Thursday's Jayhawk Conference match in Liberal against the Seward County CC Saints.
    "Our defense and our passing carried us through this one," said Conqs coach Shaun Pohlman, whose team won 25-21, 25-9 and 25-19.
    Freshman setter Danika Lucyshyn did not play in the match due to a back injury that she has been played with for most of September. Pohlman said that Lucyshyn would play, however, in Thursday's match.
    Without their setter, the Conqs experimented with their rotation to fill gaps and mask Lucyshyn's absence. Freshman hitter/blocker Jamisha Johnson served for the first time all season in the Conqs' short-handed win.
    "We didn't miss a beat with Jamisha serving," Pohlman said. "In fact, we had some good rallies that kept our leads safe when she served."
    Freshman outside hitter Janelle Burnett had 12 kills for the Conqs, while sophomore defensive specialist Sydney Thomas, who shifted to a more offensive role for Tuesday’s match, added six kills and a block. The Conqs had 12 aces as a team on the night.
    The Conqs improved their record to 16-12 overall with the win. Thursday's game in Liberal is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m.