ONTARIO — Hillsboro picked up three straight victories in league play last week to move into a second-place tie in the Scenic Bluffs Conference standings.

     Coach Mark Sullivan’s Tigers swept a pair of matches last Tuesday at a SBC quadrangular at Brookwood High School.

     First, Hillsboro swept Cashton, 25–14, 25–20, 25–21 behind a balanced offensive attack. Then the Tigers swept the host Falcons 25–16, 25–23, 25–21.

     “We played well as team against Cashton,” explained Sullivan. “We were less hesitant and others stepped up when the primary scorers were struggling.  I was pleased with our defensive effort in this match. Out hitting percentage low due to errors, but serving, passing and defense up to the task.”

     Senior Mackenzie Sullivan had eight kills, nine digs and seven assists to lead the Tigers.

     Fellow senior Tasha Mitchell added seven kills and three blocks, and Brittany Borchardt finished with a team-high 12 digs and four aces.

     “We were a little less focused during the Brookwood match but still able to win in three sets,” said Mark Sullivan. “Our hitting percentage and serving was good, but we were a little less consistent with passing and defense. Overall, it was good night for us to improve our conference record to 3-1. I think the girls are committed to keep showing improvement throughout the season. We will keep working on our toughness in close matches.”

     Mackenzie Sullivan had a great match against Brookwood, posting a triple–double of 17 digs, 12 kills and 11 assists. She also had three aces.

     Mitchell added 10 kills and two blocks, while sophomore Sydney Johnson slammed seven kills.

     Thursday night, Hillsboro improved to 4–1 in conference play with a 25–11, 25–17, 25–14 victory at Necedah.

     The Tigers (9–7) dominated at the net, posting 32 kills and a hitting percentage of .572 with just three hitting errors.

     Mackenzie Sullivan and Mitchell each had nine kills to lead a balanced offense. Sullivan passed out 12 assists, while Alexis Mathis had 11. Borchardt made 16 digs.

     “Very solid match for us,” said Mark Sullivan. “I was pleased with our balanced attack. We need to keep working on getting aggressive hits rather than so many free balls sent to the other team.”

     Hillsboro hosted Brookwood (2–8, 2–4 SBC) on Tuesday and will next host Wonewoc–Center (3–8, 1–4 SBC). The Tigers will travel to Bangor (1–6, 1–4) on Tuesday.

Hillsboro 3, Cashton 0
(from Tuesday, Sept. 15 @ Ontario)
Cashton            14    20    21
Hillboro            25    25    25
Hillsboro Individual Stat Leaders
Kills: Mackenzie Sullivan 8, Tasha Mitchell 7, Sydney Johnson 4, Gabi Bjornsen 4, Jessica Mitchell 4. Blocks: Mitchell 3. Aces: Brittany Borchardt 4, Sullivan 2, Alexis Mathis 2. Assists: Mathis 10, Sullivan 7. Digs: Brittany Borchardt 12, Mathis 11, Sullivan 9.

Hillsboro 3, Brookwood 0
(from Tuesday, Sept. 15 @ Ontario)
Hillboro            25    25    25
Brookwood       16    13    21
Hillsboro Individual Stat Leaders
Kills: Mackenzie Sullivan 12, Tasha Mitchell 10, Sydney Johnson 7. Blocks: Mitchell 2. Aces: Sullivan 3, Gabi Bjornsen 3. Assists: Sullivan 11, Mathis 10, Brittany Borchardt 5. Digs: Sullivan 17, Borchardt 9, Mathis 5, Courtney Fanta 5.

Hillsboro 3, Necedah 0
(from Thursday, Sept. 17 @ Necedah)
Hillboro            25    25    25
Necedah            11    17    14
Hillsboro Individual Stat Leaders
Kills: Mackenzie Sullivan 9, Tasha Mitchell 9, Sydney Johnson 5. Blocks: Sullivan 2. Aces: Brittany Borchardt 5, April Thornsen 2, T. Mitchell 2. Assists: Sullivan 12, Alexis Mathis 11, Borchardt 2. Digs: Borchardt 16, Bailee Cornell 7, Courtney Fanta 4.