Hesston, Kan. — Hesston College volleyball earned its first win of the season in front of the home crowd Friday night, defeating Calvary University 3-1 (25-14, 24-26, 26-24, 25-20).

The Larks came out strong in the opening set, capitalizing on Calvary miscues and key kills from Layla Romero and Lydia Foster to cruise to a 25-14 win. The second set was a back-and-forth battle featuring 10 ties and three lead changes. Despite Romero's continued presence at the net, Calvary pulled out the 26-24 win behind the efforts of Whitney Nissen and Kenleigh Elder.

Set three proved pivotal. After falling behind early, Hesston rallied behind the steady setting of Audrey Garrison and strong finishes from Romero and Foster. The Larks closed the frame with a 26-24 win. In the decisive fourth set, Hesston's defense stepped up, highlighted by Kadence Taylor's 31 digs and Tanna Owens' five block assists, to hold Calvary's hitters in check. Romero sealed the match with a kill, giving Hesston the 25-20 set and the match.

Romero paced the Larks with 22 kills, while Owens added 11 kills and 5.0 total blocks. Foster and Lillian Dollberry chipped in 10 kills each. Garrison directed the offense with 49 assists and contributed 12 digs and three block assists. Taylor's 31 digs anchored the back row, while Kennedie Esparza added 22 digs and three service aces. As a team, Hesston tallied 61 kills with a .191 hitting percentage, 90 digs, and five total blocks.

Calvary was led by Nissen with 14 kills and Elder with 11, while libero Brooke Behlen posted a match-high 22 digs. The Warriors hit .121 as a team with 46 kills and 91 digs.

The win moves Hesston to 1-9 on the year and gives the young squad a boost of momentum heading into the remainder of the season.