The Burlingame High School Lady Bearcats gained momentum going into the final week of league play after earning two wins Oct. 8 at Waverly. The Lady Bearcats volleyball team beat Waverly in two sets, 25-18 and 25-14, then took out Southern Coffey County in two sets, 25-13 and 15-17.

Lady Bearcats Coach Chelsi Gardner said the team’s momentum came in part from its defensive effort.

“We came out very strong against Waverly,” Gardner said. “Waverly is a big team with strong hitters and they use that to their advantage. We knew to be successful we were going to have to play tough defense. My girls did exactly that.”

The coach said the team served well, with Kayela Ullmer and Taylor Carson leading the team in aces for the night.

“Karli Zabokrtsky is showing great improvement in her offensive game and ended the night with 15 kills,” Gardner said.

She noted Hayley Lewis’ and Ashton Dorr’s contributions to the solid defense.

“Not very many teams have a middle blocker who can pass as well as Hayley can,” the coach said. “She is a huge asset for us on the front row as well on the back row.”

Gardner said she was excited about the way the team played at Waverly and was looking forward to the upcoming league tournament.

The Lady Bearcats face Lebo and Word of Life at 5 p.m. Oct. 15 at Lebo, and the will compete in the Lyon County League Tournament Oct. 19 at Emporia.