By STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports Information
The Hutchinson Community College volleyball team was picked to finish fourth in the Jayhawk West in the annual KJCCC preseason coaches' poll, which was released Tuesday.
Delayed five months because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Blue Dragons and new head coach Delice Downing finally open their season on Monday in the Jayhawk West opener at Garden City.
Downing takes over a Blue Dragon program that went 14-19 last season, but played in its 20th consecutive Region VI Tournament semifinal. Hutchinson also earned two victories over nationally ranked competition.
Two players return from last season. Jenna Thorne was a right-side hitter last season. She averaged 1.81 kills and 0.76 blocks per set while hitting .255. Middle blocker Myracle Lettries 0.85 kills and 0.83 blocks per set last season.
Downing has 10 freshmen and two transfers to fill out the roster.
Defending Jayhawk West and Region VI champion Seward County, the 2019 national runner-up, is the preseason pick to win the league in 2021. Colby, Barton and Hutchinson round out the top four picks in the coaches' poll. Butler, Independence, Dodge City, Garden City and Pratt round out the preseason poll.
Hutchinson opens the season at Garden City on Monday and will play host to Pratt in the home opener on January 27.
2021 JAYHAWK WEST PRESEASON COACHES POLL
1. Seward County
2. Colby
3. Barton
4. Hutchinson
5. Butler
6. Independence
7. Dodge City
8. Garden City
9. Pratt