The Manhattan High School volleyball team is headed to State after winning their SubState Saturday with wins against Wichita-Haysville Campus and Derby in the North Gym at MHS.
Just a week before SubState, the Varsity volleyball team had high expectations, but the seniors were the spotlight of this special night, the Manhattan High Girls’ Volleyball senior night. This team means a lot to every single player and coach involved, and to see their seniors go one to achieve their goals made Oct. 16 not just a game, but a bittersweet moment between the tightly knit senior trio.
“It’s sad. All these girls are super special to me, and playing with them one last time is kind of surreal,” senior Janie Hilgers said.
Even with these strong feelings to overcome, the girls played extremely well. They won both of their matches, winning 2-1 against Maize South and 2-0 against Salina South. The girls first played Maize South, quickly realizing they needed to adjust their defense, as well as their offense. They were serving more aggressively, and effectively fixing the small errors; securing the win.
“It’s been such a great season so far, and getting two big wins tonight makes us excited for the postseason,” senior Kelbey Larchick said. “We’re trying to enjoy this moment, but there’s more work to do, and it’s time to grind next week.”
Salina South was the second game, and objectively less of a challenge. With the confidence of the last game, and the feeling of wanting to prove themselves superiors, the team swept this game. Salina had one hitter that they had to look out for, but when focused on those specific hits, the girls came out on top. Demonstrating their top notch skills.
“Our biggest strength is serve receive,” senior Talia Tindall said. “We spend a lot of time serving and receiving, and we have a lot of aces during the games as well, so that is what makes it our strength.”
As these proud families watch the replays of their daughters performing with their full abilities, these girls replay their favorite memories with the team, as they know it’ll come to an end.
“My favorite memory is when Jones makes us corner up before practices and games, and she asks deep questions,” Tindall said. “We all get to know each other more and get to have a fun little talk.”
This team bonding only makes it harder to let go of a team these girls have been playing with since the beginning.
“We all came in as friends first, and that allows us to push each other further on the court, making sure we are staying disciplined every single practice,” Larchick said. “That really has helped put us in the position that we’re in now, going into sub state, and our ability to really be friends, but still push each other and be our best.”
Despite the bittersweet feelings that will inevitably creep into these seniors, they still focus on the present. They know they have people there for them who support them and their initiatives.
“I’m so proud to have this big part of my life come to an end in such a positive way,” Larchick said. “It’s going to be hard, because I’ve been a volleyball player for the past 10 years of my life, but I’m so grateful for this program and the opportunities that they’ve given me.”
MHS competes at State in Salina on Friday.
