Although the Bulldogs lost in three games to both Jefferson County North (ranked third in the Kansas Volleyball Association’s Class 3A pre-season rankings) and Silver Lake, McLouth picked up victories against Maur Hill, host Jeff West and Valley Falls.

During a busy, five-match, 14-game day, MHS senior Kylie Shufflebarger racked up 120 kills and junior Jeri Holwick finished with 71 assists.

McLouth coach Erika Houk said her team opened the season well and learned some valuable lessons.

“The girls are working on playing to win rather then playing not to lose,” the coach said. “We need to work on finishing.”

Specifically, the Bulldogs didn’t finish off the two teams that defeated them. After winning the first game against JCN and SLHS, McLouth dropped the next two games and the match against both schools.

“When we win the first game, we need to finish by winning the second game,” Houk said.

JCN defeated McLouth, 23-25, 26-24, 25-18. SLHS won, 22-25, 25-18, 25-19.

Although McLouth wasn’t perfect, Houk said the team is off to a good start and impressed many in its debut.

“They have set high standards and will continue to climb that ladder ’til we have reached the top,” she said.

In its three wins, McLouth beat Valley Falls, 21-25, 25-15, 27-25; Maur Hill, 25-11, 25-17; and Jeff West, 26-28, 26-24, 25-18.

The Bulldogs play on Tuesday at Wathena in a 5 p.m. triangular.