HUTTO — The Hutto Lady Hippos varsity volleyball team dropped its season opener in straight sets, 3-0, to the Gateway College Preparatory Gators on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Despite showing resilience throughout the match, Hutto couldn’t overcome Gateway’s aggressive play.
The Lady Hippos got off to a promising start in the first set, taking a 2-0 lead after an ace by junior setter Kharmin Fisher. However, the Gators responded with an 8-3 run to pull ahead 8-5. Sophomore outside hitter Ellie Witcher recorded a kill to cut the deficit to 8-6 and added another later in the set, but Gateway maintained control and won 25-15.
Hutto kept it close in the second set, briefly leading 6-5 before the Gators pulled away again. In the third and final set, the Lady Hippos once more held an early lead at 7-6, with junior middle hitter Isabella Michael contributing a kill.
Michael added another kill later to bring Hutto within 12-11, and senior middle hitter Victoria Escobedo followed with a kill to make it 16-13. The Lady Hippos continued to fight, narrowing the gap to 18-17, but ultimately fell short as Gateway sealed the sweep.
Sophomore libero Teegan Combs also made contributions with multiple digs.
Hutto is currently competing in the Westwood Tournament this weekend and hopes to bounce back from the season-opening loss.
