photo by: John Young

Free State High players come together to celebrate after defeating Shawnee Mission East in three sets on Thursday at FSHS.

Playing in their home opener Thursday, Free State High volleyball players couldn’t have planned a better start to their quadrangular.

In their first match against Shawnee Mission East, the Firebirds won the first nine points in the first set, including two kills each from senior Naomi Hickman, sophomore Rachel Hickman and freshman Kaitlyn Hamilton.

That set the tone for Free State, which swept the quad — and start of Sunflower League play — with victories over SM East (25-12, 20-25, 25-22), SM Northwest (25-14, 25-22) and SM North (25-13, 25-5). The Firebirds won the first eight points in both sets against SM North.

“That was big,” FSHS coach Amy Hoffsommer said of the start. “Actually, that was really nice because that was a new rotation that we were hoping would score and roll some points and it did. It was nice to see that come to fruition.”

Ranked No. 9 in Class 6A, the Firebirds (4-1) frustrated opponents with a dominant offensive attack and a strong block defensively.

Naomi Hickman, a 6-foot-4 Creighton commit, led with 10 kills, six blocks and three aces against the Lancers (3-2, ranked No. 4 in 6A). Her younger sister, Rachel, added six blocks and Hamilton added eight kills.

?With the Firebirds up 23-22 in the third set against SM East, Hamilton drilled a shot for a crucial kill, assisted by senior setter Jenalee Dickson, and junior Erin Cushing followed with a service ace on match point.

“We’re definitely offensive. That’s our strength,” Naomi Hickman said. “If we can get the defense to back that up, we’re going to be pretty good.”

In the following match against SM Northwest, Rachel Hickman and Cameryn Thomas helped the Firebirds pull away in the first set with a combined four kills in a stretch of eight straight points.

“We’ve got some pretty heavy hitters up there that can just take control of a game,” Hoffsommer said. “That gives a lot of confidence to a team. We also have a great block. It’s hard for other teams to get a good swing with such a big block.”

Along with the strong hitters up front, the Firebirds showed off their versatility with senior libero Emma Barberena, Cushing and Thomas playing well in the back row. Hoffsommer said the Firebirds play two different types of defense based on the personnel on the court.

Barberena, who was an outside hitter last year, led the Firebirds with 23 digs.

When the offense is taking control and defense is in rhythm, the Firebirds have a new vibe around the team. Naomi Hickman said they “absolutely” belong with some of the top teams in the state.

“I just feel like we’re more confident in each other,” said Payton Gannaway, who had a team-high five kills and eight aces against SM North. “We’re meshing a lot better.”

Free State will play in the Lee’s Summit (Mo.) West tournament at 8 a.m. Saturday.