Holton, KS

High School volleyball entered post season play Saturday in class 4A with Holton hosting one of four 4A sub-state brackets. (3) Holton, (6) Abilene, (11) Pratt and (14) Rose Hill all came in with aspirations of a spot in Hutchinson next weekend by claiming a sub-state championship, but only one would do so.

Holton matched up with Rose Hill in the first semifinal match claiming a 2-0 victory over the Rockets 25-19, 25-23. The 'Cats would take control with a 10-7 lead and then dominate set one, but find themselves in a fight in set two. After jumping out to an early 4-0 lead, Rose Hill would storm back to lead by as many as five points during the set and lead 22-18 late in the set before Holton would end the match on a 7-1 scoring run to claim the opening round victory.

Abilene took on Pratt in the second semifinal match defeating the greenbacks in two sets 26-24, 25-16. An extremely competitive back and forth first set saw ties at 22, 23 and 24 before the Cowgirls could pull away 26-24. The second set was controlled the entire way by Abilene. Pratt would string together four of the last five points but the lead was insurmountable.

The title tilt was a rematch from earlier in the season when Abilene defeated Holton in two sets, but the 'Cats were able to avenge the early season defeat to stamp their spot at state. Holton took down the Cowgirls 25-21, 25-23. Abilene would jump out to a 2-0 lead before Holton would rattle off a 15-7 run to gain control and take set one. The second set would have a little excitement to it. Holton dominated early jumping out to a quick 11-2 and 16-5 advantage and even leading by a larger margin of 21-11. The Cowgirls wouldn't go away so easy though. Abilene chipped into the lead and clawed their way back to trail only by two at 24-22. With Abilene serving Holton set up their unior hitter Saydee Tanking who was able to put the 'Cats into the state tournament with one swing through a double block.

Holton showed, as they have all season, that they don't just have one, two or three girls who can attack or defend the net. They have an entire TEAM with a 10 player rotation, meshing at the right time and playing their best volleyball heading into Hutchinson having won 15 of their last 17 matches. Coach Janelle Noel's team also has solid leadership behind seven seniors that all play key roles in: Savvy Booth, Paige Crouch, Danika Hickman, Faith Haussler, Cailin Parks, Kinleigh Rhodd and Olivia Yingst. Holton will be making their second state voleyball tourney appearance in the last three years.    

For all bracket updates as well as information regarding state volleyball for area teams, visit MSC Sports