King, Hogan Reach 1,000-Assist Milestones in Grain Valley’s Thrilling Win Over Blue Springs South

by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News


A physical match between the host Blue Springs South Jaguars and visiting Grain Valley Eagles featured two milestone moments for setters on each team.

Eagles' setter Chesnie King picked up her 1,000th career assist early in the first set while Jaguars' setter Anna Hogan accomplished the same milestone in the fourth set of an Eagles 25-15, 25-22, 25-27, 26-24 victory that left fans begging for more.

"That was a big win," Eagles coach Tori Squiers said. "Our first two sets were so close, but we found a way to win, and South really challenged us in the third and fourth sets. And this was one of those wins where everyone contributed."

King finished with 16 assists. She was honored by her teammates, who held a hand-drawn poster congratulating her on her milestone moment.

"I knew how many assists I needed - because it was just two - and I felt so good when I got the assist early in the match," King said. "The best things about tonight were winning the match and celebrating with my girls."

The Eagles' Piper Jackson dominated the front row with six blocks - that all came at key moments in the game - and four kills.

"We had great communication on the court," Jackson said. "I was really happy with my blocks tonight. There was a lot of action on the front line, and all our players contributed."

Kyleigh Casey led the Jaguars with 15 kills and Bromlee Cook recorded 25 assists.

South coach Alex Moore Moore praised both teams following the match.

"It was a spirited match and both teams played well," Moore said. "We've struggled so we've made some personnel changes, that seem to be working.

"Grain Valley has a great team, and they're going to continue winning a lot of matches this season."

When asked about Hogan, Moore smiled and said, "I'm so proud of her. When she first came to practice as a freshman I knew she was going to be a different player. She has been such an important part of our team the past four years and I'm glad she reached 1,000 goals tonight at home."

Hogan was presented a besparkled volleyball with 1,000 emblazoned in green gems, and a banner signifying her accomplishment.

"This is an accomplishment I'm really proud of," Hogan said. "It was so much fun when the girls presented me the banner, and that volleyball is so cool. The only way tonight could have been any better is if we would have won the match."
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