Katelynn Mabis
Columbus North was competitive in all three sets of Tuesday night’s season opener, but the Bull Dogs just couldn’t quite make a run to get over the hump in any of those sets.
As a result, visiting Seymour was able to come away with a 25-18, 25-21, 25-18 victory.
“I think we just started kind of backpedaling,” North coach Jenna Ortega said. “We have to just get the hang of things. The kids are better than this. But it’s still early. I’m still excited about the season. I just think tonight was our first game, first home match, a lot of jitters.”
The Bull Dogs led 16-14 in the opening set before the Owls ran off eight consecutive points and went on to take the set. North was within 22-20 and 23-21 in the second set before Seymour closed it out.
The Owls jumped out to a 7-1 lead in the third set. The Bull Dogs got back to within 12-10, but Seymour pulled away.
Karen Dutro
Karen Dutro led North with six kills and two solo and one block assist. Reese Edwards recorded six assists, and Morgan Osborn notched 21 digs. Holly Evans added five assists, and Kennedy Horn, Kaitlin White and Katelynn Mabis all had one block assist.
“I think Mabis is really showing up,” Ortega said. “I know it’s her senior year, and she tries really hard. I feel like she’s definitely being a leader lately. Tonight, I was able to put her outside or right side, and she did whatever was asked of her. I think she’s really starting to shine more and more every day.”
The Bull Dogs will look for their first win when they travel to Shelbyville on Thursday.
“I think just getting that block closed and being more aware of the court and where our hitters need to be,” Ortega said. “We have to get our sets more in sync with our hitters.”
