The Chieftains nearly forced a fourth set after struggling in the first two at Basehor-Linwood, but couldn’t seal the deal in the loss, 25-12, 25-14, 31-29.

The Bobcats (13-5, 2-0 KVL) got off to a hot start, winning the first six points of the opening set. The early surge translated to a 13-4 lead, prompting a timeout from the Chieftains (3-2, 1-1).

The break didn’t slow the Bobcats, who continued to pull away and grabbed a 1-0 advantage. THS never scored more than two consecutive points in the set.

“I don’t know that it really mattered what gym we were in, we just did not come out and play well” coach Tiffany Parker said. “We just did not come prepared as well as we could have. I felt like our emotions got the best of us.”

The strong start by BLHS carried over, as it roared out to a 15-4 lead in the second set. Tonganoxie scored five of the next seven points to make it 19-12, but the Bobcats closed out the set on a 6-2 run.

The Chieftains found their footing early in the third set, jumping out to a 6-2 advantage. The Bobcats battled back to within one, then used a 6-1 run to go in front, 15-11. The teams jockeyed for rank until a 9-3 THS burst gave the Chieftains a set point opportunity at 24-21.

BLHS had an answer once again, though, scoring the next four for its first of five match point chances. The teams traded points until three straight by the Bobcats capped off the sweep.

“This has shown us who’s ready to compete and who still needs to work at it,” Parker said.

Following the match, Parker lauded the play of senior Summer Cerny and junior Kassie Gratton. Parker said Gratton will have limited availability on the varsity squad because she also sees time in junior varsity matches.

THS will try to right the ship Thursday when it travels to Easton for a non-league dual with Pleasant Ridge. The Chieftains will see their first tournament action Saturday at the Rossville Invitational. Their next home action will be Tuesday against Mill Valley.