Rossville finishes runner up in pool play, advances to Saturday semifinals

The Rossville Bulldawgs traveled out to Salina, Kansas, the 8th seed in the 2A state volleyball field. They were just one of three teams in the state of Kansas to qualify for the state tournament with a sub .500 record. 

In their first match of the day, Rossville played top seed, undefeated and defending state champions, the Ellinwood Eagles. The Dawgs scored the first point of the match, but then found themselves down 10-3. They rallied and got it to 12-10, but the Eagles pulled away, winning set one 25-17. Ellinwood carried that momentum over into the second set and beat Rossville, 25-14. The 25-17 score was the closest set Ellinwood played all day. 

Rossville played directly after, against St. Marys Colgan. Both teams were 0-1 to start pool play, so it was a huge contest. Back and forth we went in the first set, but Rossville pulled away late, securing a first set victory, 25-21. The second set followed the same script with the Panthers and Dawgs battling, but Rossville made enough plays down the stretch to beat Colgan 25-22, to sweep them. 

The third match of the day for Rossville was the most important. With them and Wabaunsee 1-1 on the day in pool play, the winner of the match would finish runner up in the pool and advance to the semifinals on Saturday morning. Rossville played their best when it mattered the most, mowing down the Chargers, 25-14, 25-16. 

Nora Burdiek and Rossville was great all day, even playing Ellinwood the toughest. Rossville's season record now sits at 21-22, but the 8 seed will play 2 seed Moundridge on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. for the right to go to the state title game. The game will be broadcast on 96.9 The Pulse.