As Brooke Carter sprung into the air from her middle blocker position, the volleyball net seemed considerably lower – and for good reason.

Free State High assistant coach Matt Windle has worked with Carter, a junior, on her defensive skills in practice.

“He raised the nets up to eight inches higher, which is what the men’s net is at, and we practiced blocking and hitting on that,” Carter said. “At first, I wasn’t getting as high as I potentially could.”

Carter responded Tuesday night in the varsity volleyball quad at Free State High. She had six blocks that resulted in Free State points. Carter finished the night with 10 kills. Free State (18-9) defeated Shawnee Mission Northwest (14-16) in its first match, but fell to Shawnee Heights (27-5) and Kansas City (Mo.) St. Teresa’s (24-1).

“Every time I was going over to block, I could just feel myself getting a lot higher after my coach reminded me what we had done in practice,” Carter said. “You can tell a big difference. Normally, you just think about getting it right over the net, but when you think about how high you can really jump, it shows.”

Coach Nancy Hopkins said she noticed Carter’s effectiveness on the court as well.

“She was phenomenal on blocking tonight,” Hopkins said of Carter. “That was her element. She’s a big jumper, and her timing’s really good. She’s getting stronger and stronger as the season goes on.”

In Free State’s two losses, players didn’t lack intensity, as Hopkins said they had earlier in the season. Senior setter Kristen Karlin dove after numerous loose balls. Senior Alyx Glover produced several digs from her defensive specialist position. In fact, Glover had three digs on one possession against Shawnee Mission Northwest.

The Firebirds just couldn’t find open spots on the floor.

“I definitely struggled on hitting,” senior Kelsey Harrison said. “I hit into blocks a lot, which is always frustrating.”

Shawnee Heights and St. Teresa’s Academy capitalized on their opportunities against Free State. Both teams had several digs to counter Free State’s kill attempts. These turned into points, via the spike or tip, which resulted in Free State inconsistencies.

“We’re kind of notorious for digging holes, coming back, then getting ahead and letting them catch up, instead of putting them away,” Hopkins said. “They’re lacking that killer instinct, and we’re working on trying to get that before sub-state.”

The inconsistent spurts crept up against Shawnee Heights. Free State fell behind, 11-4, in the second game. The Firebirds then scored eight consecutive points and took a 12-11 lead. Shawnee Heights eventually won the game, 25-23.

Free State also had trouble stopping St. Teresa’s outside hitter Ellen Jantsch. The junior closed the night with a service ace and a kill, consecutively, in the 25-19 victory against Free State. It was obvious Jantsch’s teammates centered the offense around her. No matter where Jantsch was on the court, her teammates found her for various kills. Jantsch’s efforts on the court combined sky-high leaping ability with overpowering kills.

Tuesday was also senior night and the last FSHS home volleyball game. Seniors Harrison, Karlin, Jessica Scott and Ally Oliver were honored before the final match.

Oliver didn’t play Tuesday night because of a sprained ankle she suffered in practice last Friday. Oliver was on crutches and sat on the bench for the matches. She is expected to miss two weeks.