In a standalone match between two of Kansas’ 6A top-ranked programs, Manhattan High volleyball battled but was swept 25-15, 25-15, 25-23 by reigning 6A state champion Blue Valley West on Thursday in Manhattan.
“I felt like it took us a minute to figure things out,” head coach Nicole Jones said. “We’ve definitely watched film and tried to have a plan, but obviously, you get into the game and staying mentally sound is what we tried to do, and I think we did that in this last set, and kind of figured out what their moves are.”
Entering the match riding a recent stretch of 10 wins in its last 11 matches, the Indians (14-7) climbed to No. 4 in the latest Kansas Volleyball Association rankings, setting the tone for the matchup with the No. 1-ranked Jaguars (18-3).
The environment within the MHS gym carried the same intensity as a state tournament matchup, and the play on the court matched it. After a back-and-forth start to the first set, Blue Valley West broke through and closed the set with a run to take a 25-15 win.
The Jaguars’ momentum carried into the second set, as they jumped out to a 5-0 lead. Manhattan settled in after a timeout, but ultimately dropped the set 25-15.
Blue Valley West played with four 6-footers for a majority of the contest, including three returning first-team all-state members. Jones said seeing Blue Valley West during the regular season will help Manhattan prepare for a potential postseason matchup.
“That’s why I wanted to play them,” she said. “I want to know what their tendencies are. It’s one thing to watch film. It’s a whole other thing to actually see them in person. Now we know what to expect, and we can have a plan moving forward. Now, if we have the chance to see them at state, we won’t be so nervous.”
Despite falling behind 2-0 in the match, the Indians refused to quit. They climbed out to an early lead in the third set before the Jaguars settled in, leading to a 14-14 deadlock midway through the set.
The battle continued to a 22-21 Jaguar advantage before Blue Valley West closed out the match with a 25-23 win.
“Resiliency is something we talk about all the time, especially against big teams like Blue Valley West,” Jones said. “They’re great. They’re going to have big swings, but we’ve got to be able to answer. You have to move on every single point, reset and continue to fight hard. So I thought they did that.”
Manhattan will turn its attention to the Centennial League tournament Saturday at Junction City, beginning at 9 a.m. The Indians will then return home Thursday for a matchup with the Blue Jays and Hays at 5 p.m.
“I want them to work together and not be flat,” Jones said of league. “Be loud and energetic, talking to our hitters. Doing all the things — just play smart volleyball. We’re excited for league — excited that it’s not far.”