SALINA — The Lions took the first two sets to bring home a win against Blue Valley West in the first match of the state volleyball tournament this morning at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina.

The first set ended 25-18 for an easy win for the Lions. The second set wasn’t so easy.

Lions started to feel the heat after the Jaguars scored a continuous eight points, leaving the two teams eventually tied up 24-24. The tie continued in a back and forth until the Lions ended it 30-28.

Senior Sammy Williams said she feels confident after the first win, but said the team cannot afford to slow down. The team next faces Gardner-Edgerton.

“We need to keep our energy high throughout the day,” Williams said. “We sort of lost it during that second set, and that’s what allowed them to catch up with us.”

Going into the second game, fan senior Garret Hart said he is not worried about the Lions.

“After those eight points in a row I got concerned,” Hart said. “But I realized as long as the Lions keep it up and play their game they’ll be alright.”

The Lions entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed.