SALINA — Manhattan High volleyball’s postseason run is over.

The sixth-seeded Indians went 1-2 during Friday’s pool play in the 6A state volleyball tournament at Tony’s Pizza Events Center, falling short of making Saturday’s semifinals.

“It just wasn’t our day, (but) they played really hard,” head coach Nicole Jones said. “I’m proud of them, they gave it all they got. We’re sad to see the season be over, but couldn’t have asked for a better team.”

The day couldn’t have started any better for Manhattan (28-10), sweeping No. 3 Wichita Northwest in straight sets, 25-16, 26-24.

“Just coming in, we were really excited to compete,” Jones said. “They’ve had a really great season, and so we just wanted to really put pressure on our serve; serve aggressive. Things were going our way, we were able to put the ball down … and it just went our way. It was great.”

After a couple hours of rest, the Indians returned to the court for back-to-back matches versus No. 2 Blue Valley West and No. 7 Olathe Northwest. Manhattan was swept by the Jaguars in straight sets 25-13, 25-13. The Ravens would sweep the Indians 25-18, 25-16.

Reflecting on Manhattan’s third straight trip to state, Jones said it’s a “hard” accomplishment.

“It’s pretty awesome to see our program is growing, and we continue to just fight,” she said.

Friday was also the last hurrah for seniors Janie Hilgers, Kelbey Larchick and Talia Tindall. Jones said it hasn’t set in yet.

“It’s hard to think they won’t be here, but they put everything on the court and they’re incredible,” she said.

Next season, the Indians return contributors in juniors Bailey Busch, Evie Ruliffson, Jelena Depusoir, Ansley Becket, Madison Stanard, Keeli Tepe and Sophia Peabody, alongside sophomores Zariah Johnson and Evie Banks.

“I’m proud and I know this doesn’t define our season,” Jones said. “We made it to state. I know that they’re going to be hungry next year; I’m only losing three. So my team is going to come back stronger than ever.”

Rock Creek

A stellar season for Rock Creek volleyball came to close Friday afternoon in pool play of 4A state tournament in Hutchinson.

The Mustangs came into the tournament as the No. 4-seed with a 32-6 record and went 1-2 on Friday.

Rock Creek opened the tournament with a close sweep versus fifth-seeded Paola. The Mustangs fell in the first set 26-24 before losing the second 25-21.

The Mustangs rebounded with a hard-fought three-set win over eighth-seeded Bishop Miege. Rock Creek won Set 1 25-19 before losing the second 22-25. They wrapped up the with a 25-17 victory in Set 3.

The Mustangs had their toughest test in their final match of the day, and they fell in two sets (25-23, 25-16) to No. 1 seed Andale, who has only lost one match this season.

Rock Creek graduates five seniors off this year’s team, including Ambree Portelli, Brooklyn Dye, Lauren Blackwood, Ellie Prather and Brynna Zoeller.