(BY STEVE CARPENTER)
(HUTCHINSON CC SPORTS INFORMATION)
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team battled the No. 1 team in the nation on Saturday, but ultimately dropped its first Jayhawk West match of the season.

The top-ranked Seward County Saints defeated Hutchinson 25-18, 25-15, 25-20 at the Sports Arena. The Blue Dragons fall to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in the Jayhawk West. The top-ranked Saints are 7-0 overall and 3-0 in league play.

The Dragons were dominated only in the second set as the Saints jumped out to an 9-2 lead and never looked back. Hutch and Seward were tied at 11-all in the first set before the Saints pulled away. The Dragons led 15-12 in the third set before the Saints rallied to complete the sweep.

Freshman Katelyn Elstun finished with a team-high eight kills to go with a season-high 14 digs and two ace served to lead the Blue Dragons. Freshman Camila Espejo had six kills and freshman Myracle Lettries finished with four kills.

Sophomore setter Eboni Sapien had 12 assists and freshman Lainey Robertson had eight assists. Freshman libero Alissa Bautista finished with a team-high 15 digs. Sapien added eight digs.

Seward County was led by Yanliz Feliz and Djuly Schmorantz with 12 kills each. Mesalina Severino had seven kills and four total blocks.

The Blue Dragons are on the road Wednesday to take on the Pratt Beavers.