HESSTON, Kan. — The Hesston College volleyball team completed an impressive comeback on Wednesday afternoon, battling back from two sets down to defeat Haskell University 3–2 (13–25, 24–26, 25–23, 25–12, 15–12) in front of a lively home crowd in their final regular season match.
Haskell controlled the opening set, jumping out to an early lead behind strong serving and quick swings from the middle. Hesston struggled to find offensive rhythm, recording just seven kills in the first frame as Haskell took it 25–13. The second set was a different story—Hesston settled in defensively and began finding its attackers, highlighted by kills from Lydia Foster and Kennedie Esparza. The Larks held a late 22–20 advantage before Haskell rallied with key points in transition to edge the set 26–24 and go up 2–0.
With their backs against the wall, Hesston responded in set three. The Larks focused on smart swings and extended rallies, with libero Kadence Taylor and defensive specialist Bethanie Haag keeping crucial balls off the floor. Foster and Esparza each delivered timely kills, while Audrey Garrison distributed the ball across the front row. A late block touch followed by a Foster kill sealed the 25–23 win to keep the match alive.
Set four saw the momentum swing fully in Hesston's favor. The Larks' front line—led by Lillian Dolberry and Tanna Owens—established a strong blocking presence, slowing Haskell's hitters and allowing Hesston to transition cleanly into offense. Garrison continued to find Esparza in rhythm on the outside, and the Larks opened up a steady lead before taking the set comfortably, 25–12, forcing a decisive fifth set.
The final set was tight early, with both teams trading points to 8–8. Hesston then earned a key shift when a long rally ended in a Foster cross-court kill, followed by a Dolberry block at the net. Taylor dug several high-pressure swings late to keep Hesston ahead, and Esparza capped the comeback with a final swing to take the set 15–12 and the match.
Foster led the Larks with 14 kills on .444 hitting, while Esparza added 13 kills of her own. Dolberry was a force at the net with 10 kills and 7 blocks, and Owens contributed 5 blocks as well. Garrison paced the attack with 39 assists and added 20 digs, while Taylor anchored the defense with 28 digs.
