GARDEN CITY -- Great Bend swept four consecutive matches to repeat as Western Athletic Conference volleyball champions. The Panthers stretched their match winning streak to 25 in a row to clinch a 5A home volleyball substate Oct. 26 for the second consecutive year.

The Panthers (34-2) have won a school record 34 matches.

"The girls came to play Saturday," said Great Bend coach Shelly Duvall. "They set team goals for each match-up and overall goals for the day. We reviewed them in the huddle before each game and made sure we stayed focused."

As usual, the Panthers featured balance offensively and defensively. Against Garden City in a 3-set match, Mikala Minton contributed 18 digs, 15 serves, 13 serves received and 10 winners. Kya Behr had 34 assists and 17 serves. Cassie Ellegood delivered 10 winners; Kara Feist 3 blocks; Ava Kaiser 23 serves received and 11 digs and Kimmie Hofflinger 11 digs.

"I'm proud of what this team has accomplished," Duvall said. "Each girl has embraced their role and continue to support each other through the highs and lows of each match. Just when you think we're out of it, the girls pull together and chip away. It's extremely stressful as the coach, but so exciting at the same time."

Against Dodge City, Behr had 22 assists and 16 serves. Alex Mayers contributed 11 serves and nine serves received. Cassie Ellegood had 7 winners; Feist had 3 blocks; Kaiser had 8 digs. 

The Hays match featured Behr with 17 assists, 11 serves, 8 winners; Mayers 17 digs; Kaiser 15 serves received; and Feist 3 blocks. Liberal's match showcased Behr with 16 assists; Cassie Ellegood 8 winners; Kaiser 15 serves, 14 digs; and Mayers 9 serves received.

The Panthers have seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen contributing at the varsity level.

"Panther volleyball looks great for the next few years," she said. "We have several players that are younger and are seeing valuable court time. Our JV and C team players have put in the work as well. This team looks solid."

WAC TOURNAMENT

Great Bend def. Hays High, 25-20, 25-21; Great Bend def. Garden City, 19-25, 25-21, 25-14; Great Bend def. Liberal, 25-15, 25-20; Great Bend def. Dodge City, 25-17; 25-16; Hays def. Liberal, 25-20, 25-20; Garden City def. Hays, 25-17, 16-25, 25-22; Dodge City def. Garden City, 7-25, 25-20, 25-20; Dodge City def. Liberal, 21-25, 25-19, 25-17; Hays def. Dodge City, 25-12, 17-25, 25-17; Garden City def. Liberal, 25-16, 25-10

5A WEST 10-26

GREAT BEND—Great Bend 33-2 vs. Goddard 12-19/Newton 9-24/Salina Central 9-24; Hays High 27-8 vs. Valley Center 20-12