The fourth-ranked Hinton volleyball team enjoyed their first trip to the state volleyball tournament in nine years.
The Blackhawks defeated fifth-ranked Denver in four sets to advance to the semifinals of the 2A state bracket. Co-Head Coach Robin Mohr says the win was a credit to the strong start they came out with.
Part of the success for Hinton was their offensive output. The Blackhawks hit .271 for a team kill efficiency with six hitters recording at least five kills and four recording at least seven. Coach Mohr says the hitters get a lot of the spotlight, but the offensive execution begins in the back row.
Having that many weapons is a blessing for junior setter Ashlyn Kovarna who recorded 44 assists in the win. She says that allows her to play more freely on the court.
Hinton’s win was not without some tough patches. The Blackhawks got down 15-6 in set three and ultimately lost the set meaning they had to go to the fourth. The fourth set saw the Blackhawks win convincingly 25-13 to take the match. Coach Mohr says they just needed a reminder of what had gotten them to that point.
The win is Hinton’s first at state since a quarterfinal win in 2005 against Durant. The Blackhawks hope this year’s season sets the standard for future Blackhawk volleyball teams. Kovarna says she sees that with the young girls that look up to them at games.
The Blackhawks now draw the tough test of matching up with the top-ranked team in the state in Dike-New Hartford. The resume for success for Dike-New Hartford includes 22 state tournament appearances, 10 state championships including two in a row, and a coach who has won over 1,000 games in her career. Coach Mohr says the Blackhawks are excited to prove what they can do against a good team.
The matchup presents with it a chip on the shoulders of the Blackhawks. Kovarna says their history with Dike-New Hartford goes back to their early AAU days.
First serve will be at 4:00 on Wednesday afternoon. KLEM Radio will broadcast the match with coverage beginning at 3:45.
