The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

It’s safe to say the Lady Wildcats have successfully transitioned into the volleyball season. Following an extended season on the basketball court to allow for post-season play the ladies were forced to switch gears quickly in to Season C — volleyball. The 11-member team took court last weekend for a three-match tournament at Kit Carson after just four days of practice and took wins in all three of their season-opening matches.

The local ladies opened with a sweep over the Wiley Lady Panthers to kick off Saturday’s tournament play. They took sets one through three 25-18, 25-12 and 25-20, respectively.

Junior Whitney Chintala led at the net in kills for the match with 15; sophomore Kally Kirkwood followed with 13.

Chintala led from the back row with 23 digs followed by the elder Kirkwood sister, Kendyl, with 14.

The second match of the day brought Yuma to the court to face off with the Lady Wildcats. Fleming took their second sweep of the tournament taking sets one through three 25-16, 25-17 and 25-11.

Kally Kirkwood led in kills for the second match of the year. She put 15 on the floor followed by Chintala with 14.

Chintala and freshman Madi Serrato each put up 19 digs from the back row. Chintala and her junior classmate Sam Pope led from behind the serving line with three aces apiece.

The third match, a five-set win over Wiggins, gave the Lady Wildcats the tournament victory. The Lady Tigers fell in sets one and two, 25-14 and 25-20, before taking wins in sets three and four, 25-22 and 25-19. The 2-2 even tally sent the match into the fifth set where Fleming sailed to a smooth victory, 15-4.

The long match allowed for impressive stats from the Lady Wildcats. Kally Kirkwood put down 27 kills against Wiggins. Chintala followed with 18.

Kendyl Kirkwood and sophomore Maddy Harms led the Lady Wildcat defense at the net. Kendyl blocked four Wiggins kill attempts. Harms followed with two blocks.

Chintala led in the back row with 38 digs. Sophomore Lexi Schaefer and Kendyl Kirkwood followed with 19 digs apiece.

The Lady Wildcats played at Peetz on Tuesday, March 30. Results of that match were not available as of press time.

They’re scheduled to take their own home court on Friday and Saturday, April 2 and 3. Friday’s high school varsity match is set to begin at 4 p.m. Saturday’s varsity match is slated for 2 p.m. According to the Fleming Wildcat Facebook page, there is currently no limit on fan attendance at Fleming High School.