Bushland sends Columbus packing

GARLAND — The third time was not the charm for the Columbus Cardinals, who could not overcome a relentless Bushland defense and their own mistakes in the Class 4A state volleyball semifinals Thursday night.

The result was a 25-17, 25-23, 14-25, 25-23 loss to the Falcons and a disappointing end to a 41-9 season.

It was the third trip to the state tournament since 2007 for Columbus and the third time its season ended with a semifinal loss.

With the exception of the third set, when they dominated the net, the Cardinals never were able to take advantage of their size advantage because of hitting and service errors that plagued them throughout the match. As a result, Columbus hit only .132 for the match on 121 attacks.

“Mistakes cost us,” Cardinals coach Kayley Johns said. “No question. It was definitely a new experience for the girls, this environment and the big gym and the crowd, but I’m very proud of them. They fought hard and were in it to the end.”

Columbus had leads in every set, including late in the fourth when it was on the verge of sending the match to a fifth. Backto-back aces by Hali Wisnoskie gave the Cardinals a 23-22 lead, but Bushland’s Jayla Norman responded with a kill and then Columbus’ 23rd hitting error of the match gave the Falcons match point. That was delivered moments later on a Bushland block.

The loss overshadowed a strong individual performances by Cardinals senior Cheyenne Huskey who finished with 10 kills, 19 assists, four aces and 18 digs.

Bushland (40-6), was led by senior Anna Graham, who finished with 24 kills.