The outstanding 2025 season for the Manhattan High School Girls Volleyball team concluded Nov. 1 at the Class 6A State Tournament in Salina. While the Indians finished their competitive run in pool play, their overall success, a remarkable third consecutive Sub-State Championship, marks another chapter for the program.
“I am disappointed in how it ended,” senior Kelbey Larchick said. “It is never fun to lose, but when you want to win so bad it makes the loss sting a little more.”
The team, which finished the season with an impressive 28-10 overall record, entered the State tournament as the No. 6 seed, having swept their Sub-State competition at home just a week before. The Indians came out strong at State and secured a swift 2-0 sweep over Wichita Northwest in their first pool play match.
“It took a couple points to get in rhythm, but that’s nothing we aren’t used to,” Larchick said. “We were able to pull away with the win.”
However, the competition quickly intensified. Facing two powerhouses in the following matches. MHS fought hard but ultimately fell in straight sets to Blue Valley West and Olathe Northwest, ending their journey just early in the Saturday semifinals.
“I feel kind of empty, nothing to look forward to at the end of the day,” senior Janie Hilgers said. “I don’t get to see my best friends as consistently anymore.”
Despite the melancholy finish, the spirit of the team never wavered. The players displayed these efforts all throughout their season, even with the challenges and losses they faced.
“I will always be proud of them,” Hilgers said. “The juniors put a lot of pressure on themselves to be perfect, it was our third time going to state and the community had high expectations for us.”
MHS will always be a place where talent shines through, no matter how those efforts are reciprocated.
“This team was such a bright spot in my life and I love each of these girls so much,” Larchick said. “It’s going to be hard saying goodbye, but I am so grateful for all the memories volleyball has given me.”
