by JASON GORDON

After two days of Fraulein frustration, the Hays volleyball team finally came up big on Saturday.

The Lady Rebels, who won only one game on Thursday and Friday combined, reeled off two straight victories in New Braunfels at the Fraulein Volleyfest on Saturday and were named one of the consolation bracket champions.

Hays beat Boswell and Calallen high schools.

“The wins really picked up our spirits,” said Hays outside hitter Kelsea Sadler. “The energy really started to pick up Saturday. I think it will definitely carry over to our games this week.”

Hays split its first two games against Boswell (25-19, 21-25), before capturing the match in a back-and-forth third game 27-25.

Kaylea Beck had a season-high 16 kills and 21 digs for the Lady Rebs, Leslie Simoneau had nine kills, and Hannah Ramsey added 33 assists to guide the Hays offense.

“We really needed that win,” Hays head coach Erica Walther said. “We’ve been so close to breaking through, and the girls really battled tough in that third game. I think after that, we were able to just relax and play volleyball.”

Hays had a much easier time later that afternoon against Calallen, winning 25-21, 25-19.

Beck again led Hays with seven kills and eight digs, while Dezaray Garner added five kills.

“The girls have really been playing good volleyball all season, and I’ve seen improvement in practice and on the court,” Walther said. “It’s great to see that hard work pay off because winning definitely builds confidence. Hopefully the way they performed Saturday will be the start of something exciting for this team. Now they know what kind of results they can get if they work hard and play together.”

Hays returns home for two matches Friday night. The Lady Rebs play Regents at 5 p.m., and St. Andrews at 7:30 p.m.

The Rebel Bash tournament will be on Sept. 2 and 4, and the Lady Rebels will open play in the new District 27-4A on Sept. 10 at Smithson Valley.