Ava Smith

The Valley Heights volleyball team is heading off to the 2A State Tournament this weekend in Dodge City. They won their Sub-State Tournament this past weekend at St. Mary’s.

Freshman outside hitter Ava Smith was crucial for the Mustangs in wins over Republic County, St. Mary’s, and top-seed Maranatha Christian Academy.

Ava posted 34 kills and 21 digs during the three-match tournament.

Ava missed her 8th grade season of volleyball due to an injury but jumped right into varsity this season as a key rotational piece for Valley Heights.

Ava led the Mustangs this season in kills, she was second in digs, and fifth on the team in aces.

Valley Heights is the 7-seed at the State Tournament this week in Dodge City with a record of 25-13. They’ll have pool play matches on Friday against Smith Center, Inman, and Garden Plain.