By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Saturday was a good day for volleyball teams in Barton County and the surrounding area. Great Bend won its Class 5A sub-state to advance to the state tournament on Thursday. Ellinwood won its home sub-state to keep a perfect season intact, and Hoisington pulled off an upset on paper to win the 3A Lakin sub-state to advance back to state. Ellsworth is also headed to the 3A state championships.
Ellinwood entered its bracket as the No. 1 team in Class 2A with a perfect 40-0 record. The Eagles handled Plainville 25-5, 25-10 in round one to set up a rematch with postseason nemesis Smith Center. The Lady Red needed three sets to get by Rawlins County in their opener. Ellinwood cruised by Smith center 25-12, 25-15 to move to 42-0.
The Class 2A State Volleyball Championships are held at United Wireless Arena in Dodge City.
Despite being ranked No. 4 by the Kansas Volleyball Association, Hoisington had to make the trip west to play under No.1 seed Lakin. The Cards battled Goodland to a 25-21, 25-21 in round one, then took down Lakin 25-18, 25-18 in the finals.
Ellsworth was part of a tough field in Holcomb. The Bearcats knocked out perennial power Beloit 25-20, 25-19 in round one, then bumped off No. 1 seed Holcomb 25-21, 25-19 in the championship.
The Class 3A State Volleyball Championships are held at the Hutchinson Sports Arena.
Three-time defending Class 1A, Div. I champion Little River entered sub-state with just two losses, both to Ellinwood, on the season. The Lady Redskins are headed back to state after dominating Sedan 25-7, 25-7, and beating Olpe 25-13, 25-15.
The Class 1A, Div. I State Volleyball Championships are held at United Wireless Arena in Dodge City.
This year's state tournaments are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Nov. 1. Brackets should be released on Sunday.