Manhattan High volleyball is going to state for a third straight season.
The Indians (27-8) punched their ticket Saturday after back-to-back straight set sweeps of Wichita-Haysville Campus and Derby during Saturday’s sub-state tournament in the MHS gym.
“We’re really happy,” head coach Nicole Jones said. “I just said, ‘We just got to come out; business as usual, compete, don’t underestimate anybody.’ … I thought they competed really well, we had some moments that we were kind of faltering, but they figured it out and minimized their errors, and they did a great job.”
Jones said during those faltering moments, she would have the team come in the huddle and have them take breaths, get their heart rates down and talk about how to handle pressure situations, knowing they’re capable and they can get the job done.
“We have a lot of positive self-talk,” Jones said.
Manhattan opened sub-state with a 25-11, 25-13 win over Haysville Campus in the semifinals. During the match, junior Bailey Busch eclipsed the 1,000-kill mark in her career.
The Indians took on Derby in the championship match. After falling behind early in the first set, Manhattan would rally for a 25-19 victory and ended the Panthers’ season with another 25-19 decision in the second set.
Jones had high praise for junior Jelena Depusoir on the right side during Saturday’s play.
“She just came out, killed it,” Jones said. “I’m excited to see what her hitting percentage was, but honestly, our block was strong. We just competed.”
Other teams who clinched state berths Saturday include Wichita Northwest, Lawrence Free State, Mill Valley, Blue Valley West, Olathe West, Olathe Northwest and Centennial League rival Washburn Rural.
“We’ve really tried to beef up our schedule, so I’m confident that we’ve at least seen half of the teams that are going to be there already,” Jones said. “So … we’re ready to play whoever and just be ready to go.”
The 6A state tournament will be held Friday and Saturday at Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina. Last season, Manhattan advanced past the first day, ending up in fourth place.