BY JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com
ELLINWOOD — No. 2 ranked Ellinwood (39-2) defeated Hays TMP, 25-23, 25-14 to qualify for the 2A state volleyball championship after beating Sterling, 25-13, 25-11 in the semifinals. Ellinwood qualified for state volleyball in 2021 and 2018.
"I was happy for these girls. They've experienced heartbreak at substate the past two years," said Ellinwood coach Greg Maxwell. "It makes this year special. The opportunity to host at home was special. We loved our fans. We're focused on our primary goal of bringing home a trophy and hanging a banner."
Ellinwood's leader is Kennedy Behnke, who has contributed 339 serves, 239 winners, 99 blocks and 61 ace serves. Miette Maxwell has 330 serves, 158 digs, 135 winners and 46 assists. Regan Widener has delivered 412 serves, 257 serves received, 195 winners and 54 ace serves.
Other contributors are Alyvia Batchman, 366 serves, 366 assists, 132 winners; Bennett Jacobs, 338 serves, 292 digs, 229 serves received; defensive specialist Reese Stickney, Reese Kyndal Moore, 210 winners; Ayla Ritchie, 56 blocks; and Brynn Widener.
Behnke fed Moore for a spike for a 24-23 lead. The Monarchs hit into the net for the final point.
"When it was 23-23, we had been there before. We settled in to make a key play at a crucial time," Maxwell said. "Our attacking was at a high level. Our defense was good. We won the net. In the backcourt, we ran coverages to force ceratin actions. TMP did a good job taking advantage of what we were giving. We made adjustments that ultimately make a big impact in the second set."
Kennedy, Regan Widener, Maxwell and Batchman led the net play.
"The girls played with confidence and aggressiveness, which was a key to our success," Maxwell said. "They executed our game plan. Our freshman and sophomores embraced the moment and didn't show signs of pressure being an issue. That was great to see."
Ellinwood competes against Sedgwick (36-5), Valley Heights (29-9) and Highland Doniphan West (27-12) at Dodge City Friday. The Eagles start pool play against Doniphan West. The Eagles defeated state qualifiers St. John, Little River, Otis-Bison and Hoxie. 4A qualifier Clay Center and 3A qualifier Beloit defeated Ellinwood.
2A STATE DODGE CITY
POOL 1—Shawnee Maranatha 37-6 vs. Oakley 30-9, 8:30 a.m.; Inman 39-2 vs. Wichita Christian 37-6; Maranatha vs. Wichita Christian; Inman vs. Oakley; Oakley vs. Wichita Christian; Inman vs. Maranatha
POOL 2—Sedgwick 36-5 vs. Valley Heights 29-9, 8:30; Ellinwood 39-3 vs. Highland Doniphan West 27-12; Sedgwick vs. Doniphan West; Ellinwood vs. Valley Heights; Valley Heights vs. Doniphan West; Ellinwood vs. Sedgwick
2A WEST SUBSTATES
ELLINWOOD—CHAMPIONSHIP Ellinwood def. Hays TMP, 25-23, 25-14; Ellinwood def. Sterling, 25-13, 25-11; Hays TMP def. Phillipsburg, 25-22, 23-25, 25-21
SYLVAN GROVE—CHAMPIONSHIP Hoxie def. Oakley, 25-23, 19-25, 25-19; Hoxie def. Sylvan-Lucas, 25-17, 25-13; Oakley def. Wichita County, 25-21, 25-15
