Silver Lake Volleyball Opens Season with Tournament Win at Salina South

The defending Class 3A State Champions, Silver Lake, opened the 2026 volleyball season in impressive fashion Saturday, going undefeated to win the Salina South Tournament.

The Eagles defeated Wamego (25-13, 25-15), Chapman (17-25, 25-18, 25-10), Minneapolis (25-19, 25-10), Salina South (25-12, 23-25, 25-19), and Sacred Heart (25-10, 25-11) on their way to the tournament title.

Silver Lake received tremendous contributions from throughout the lineup, but was led by Kylie Hanni, Karys Deiter, and Jaylie Whitehead, who were all named to the All-Tournament Team. It marked the second straight season that all three Eagles earned All-Tournament honors at Salina South.

Hanni was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, while Whitehead was selected as the Most Outstanding Defensive Player. It was the second consecutive season Whitehead earned that honor.

It was a statement start for the defending state champions and No. 1-ranked Eagles, who begin the season 5-0 after a dominant opening day at Salina South.