DODGE CITY — Shawnee Maranatha's trio of Maggie Brisk, Zion Jones and Tate Sher spoiled Ellinwood's quest for a 2A state volleyball title with a 25-22, 25-17 semifinal victory keyed by powerful play at the net. Brisk and Sher took turns hitting winners and Sher provided the final touch with blocks against Ellinwood's tandem of Kennedy Behnke and Kyndal Moore.
Behnke and Moore enjoyed bright moments and Regan Widener played superbly in a hard-fought loss. But the winning Eagles played solid defense that turned into an advantage at the net.
When No. 1 ranked Inman (43-3) downed No. 2 ranked Ellinwood (42-5), 25-21, 16-25, 25-18 for third place Saturday, the teams surely made a pledge to meet again in 2025. Inman and Ellinwood each graduate one senior.
The third-place match is perhaps the trickiest one to play after the top two ranked teams lost hard-fought semifinal showdowns.
Eagle lefthander Regan Widener continued her spectacular play Saturday with several winning plays. Utah commit Suttyn Harris dominated the match with 15 winners. As usual, Behnke and Moore joined Miette Maxwell and Alyvia Batchman with winning plays.
Ellinwood coach Greg Maxwell saw the Eagles display resilience, skill, and determination. He saw the Eagles prove they belong on the 2A state tournament stage.
“The girls learned a valuable lesson,” Maxwell said. “The effort was there Saturday, but our execution and composure were impacted by championship Saturday pressure and emotion. The state tournament experience is about consistency and making impact plays both days."
The Eagles return everyone but all-state senior Kennedy Behnke.
"We will learn from it, build from the experience, and know how to better handle the experience moving forward," Maxwell said. "They understand the significance of finding championship mentality and strength for the duration of the tournament."
The Eagles earned the most wins in school history and captured their eighth consecutive Central Prairie League volleyball title.
With their record-breaking season and an experience to build on, the Eagles have set the foundation for future success. This young team will return with a renewed perspective, ready to go even further next year. For now, they celebrate an unforgettable season and a well-earned place in Ellinwood Volleyball history.
FRIDAY — Ellinwood's tandem of Behnke and Moore received plenty of help from teammates Maxwell and Regan Widener to cruise to a trio of straight-set 2A volleyball pool play matches.
No. 2 state-ranked Ellinwood defeated Doniphan West, 25-9, 25-15; Valley Heights, 25-17, 25-20 and Sedgwick, 25-8, 25-10 to earn a showdown with Shawnee Maranatha (37-9) in Saturday's semifinal match. No. 1 ranked Inman (42-2) plays Valley Heights (32-10) in the second semifinal.
Behnke dominated the net during Friday's pool play backed by Moore's hard-hitting winners. Maxwell and lefthander Regan Widener played stronger as the day moved along to join their teammates with sharp-hitting winners. Setters Maxwell and Batchman controlled the volleyball perfectly all day.
Also contributing were Brynn Widener, Alya Ritchie, Reagan Wirtz, Bennett Jacobs and sharp-serving Reese Stickney.
2A STATE DODGE CITY
POOL 1—Shawnee Maranatha def. Oakley, 25-18, 25-19; Inman def. Wichita Christian, 25-9, 25-22; Maranatha def. Wichita Christian, 27-25, 25-11; Inman def. Oakley, 25-15, 25-14; Wichita Christian def. Oakley, 25-23, 25-21; Inman def. Maranatha, 25-16, 25-21
POOL 2—Valley Heights def. Sedgwick, 25-19, 25-17; Ellinwood def. Doniphan West, 25-9, 25-15; Sedgwick def. Doniphan West, 25-20 26-24; Ellinwood def. Valley Heights, 25-17, 25-20; Valley Heights def. Doniphan West, 25-17, 25-15; Ellinwood def. Sedgwick, 25-8, 25-10
1ST—Shawnee Maranatha (41-7) def. Valley Heights (33-11), 25-23, 25-19; 3RD—Inman (43-3) def. Ellinwood (42-5), 25-21, 16-25, 25-18; SEMIFINALS—Maranatha def. Ellinwood, 25-22, 25-17; Valley Heights def. Inman, 26-24, 25-21
