Floyd, Elida to meet in district playoffs

STAFF WRITER

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Following Monday’s three-set 25-20, 25-12, 25-9 win against Clovis Christian, the Floyd Lady Broncos will travel to face the six-time defending small school champion Elida Lady Tigers in the second-round of the Class 4-1A volleyball tournament.

In their two previous encounters this season, Elida (17-3) swept Floyd in both matches. Currently ranked 13th, Floyd (6-10) knows it must upset the top-ranked Lady Tigers in order to qualify for the state playoffs.

“I feel like we haven’t played a full game to our full potential yet,” Floyd coach Dawn Kuchta said. “That’s what I want. Three to five sets of everything working together. Elida’s going to the playoffs no matter what. We’re currently 13th and they take 12 (teams) to the postseason. If we want to go to State, we need this win.”

Kuchta knows this match won’t be easy, but has been doing her best to prepare the team for a chance to knock off the defending champion Tigers.

“We’ve been practicing hard,” Kuchta said. “I’ve been trying to get them mentally prepared. I know Elida won’t lie down for us and I need to keep them ready.”

Just because Elida has swept Floyd in their two previous matches, the Lady Tigers aren’t simply looking past the Lady Broncos.

“We’ve got to get our mind on district playoff, high-level playoff volleyball,” Elida coach Darrell Chenault said. “Our biggest concern is not thinking that we beat them twice. We need to play at a high-level all the time for this match. We had a really good practice today (Tuesday). It made things go well today and I’m not grouchy.”

Against Clovis Christian, Floyd could do no wrong in the final two sets, allowing a total of 21 points scored on them in the second and third set, combined. Kuchta would love for a repeat performance today.

“It was a great win for the team morale,” she said. “We’ve been swept the past few matches and to get a sweep win, and keep Clovis Christian in single digits was a big morale boost for us. They played so well I didn’t have to yell or do anything. Hopefully we can do that again. I told the girls to have fun and show people you love what you’re doing.”

Tonight’s game is scheduled for 6 p.m.