Volleyball Recap: Lillie Heiland's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Smith Center over Beloit

Smith Center was not able to break out of their rough patch on Saturday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were a single set away from ending the streak, but they lost a 2-1 heartbreaker at the hands of the Beloit Trojans. The Redmen were not able to make up for their defeat to the Trojans from their previous meeting back in September of 2024.

Smith Center started the match hot and won the first set, but they struggled down the stretch and lost the last two. The final score came out to 21-25, 25-15, 25-19.

Lillie Heiland

Digs

10/04/25 @ Beloit	28
10/04/25 vs Nemaha Central	17
10/04/25 vs Minneapolis	19
10/02/25 @ Marysville	17
10/02/25 @ Republic County	14
09/30/25 @ Hoxie	20

Smith Center's loss came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Lillie Heiland, who had 28 digs. Heiland is on a roll when it comes to digs, as she's now had 14 or more in each of the last six games she's played. Another player making a difference was Keleigh Ochoa, who had 13 digs.

Smith Center's defeat dropped their record down to 15-10. As for Beloit, they have been performing well recently as they've won 17 of their last 20 matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 22-5 record this season.

Smith Center will square off against Oakley on Thursday. As for Beloit, they have already played their next contest, a 2-0 loss against Clay Center on the 4th.