Box Score FORT SCOTT, Kan. - Despite a somewhat later start to the conference schedule than in years past, Highland (10-1, 1-0 KJCCC) extended its streak of conference opener wins to four with a 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-15, 25-22) win at Fort Scott (0-5, 0-1 KJCCC) on Wednesday night.

Highland got off to a bit of a sluggish start in the first set, as the Greyhounds opened a 6-1 lead on the Scotties. HCC managed to string together a brief rally but Fort Scott held on and stretched to a 14-7 lead.

As Gracie Klecan rotated to the service line for the Scotties, she sparked a big momentum change in the match, with five straight points to force a timeout by Fort Scott with HCC trailing 14-13. The pause was unsuccessful in breaking the Scotties' stride, as Klecan followed up a Greyhound attack error with an ace into the middle of the defense to put Highland in front 15-14.

Highland extended its lead to 19-15, forcing another timeout by Fort Scott.

The break was slightly more beneficial for the home team, as the Greyhounds were able to close the gap and looked to have tied the set at 22-22 as a Scottie attack was initially judged to have been long. Coach Andrea Keller was quickly off the bench with a challenge, as she spotted a touch by the Fort Scott defense. The challenge was successful, with HCC taking the first set.

Fort Scott stormed back to take an early lead in the second set. Highland tried to mount a rally, but despite allowing the Greyhounds to tie the match at 1-1, the Scotties wrestled the momentum to their side and dominated the third set.

The hosts again jumped out to an early lead in the fourth set, but Highland again closed to within three at 14-11. After a Jaala Stewart swing was originally whistled long to put the score at 15-11 in favor of Fort Scott, Keller was again quick off the bench with a challenge.

Her challenge was again successful, reversing the score to 14-12, with Highland continuing its surge. Fort Scott tried to stave off elimination, but a thunderous kill by NJCAA Division 2 Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week Cali Honeyman forced a Greyhound timeout with the Scotties leading 23-20. Highland was able to close out the match quickly, however.

Next up for the Scotties is the Iowa Central Invitational. Highland opens tournament action on Friday with a rematch against North Iowa Area Community College. First serve is set for 4:15 p.m.