Linn Volleyball Makes History with First-Ever State Championship
The Linn volleyball team is making history and earning this week's Athlete of the Week honors after capturing the first state volleyball championship in school history this past weekend in Salina.
The Bulldogs capped off an incredible season with a 41-2 overall record, defeating Centralia in a three-set thriller in the state championship match. The victory made the moment even sweeter for Linn, as both of the Bulldogs' two losses this season came against Centralia. When it mattered most, Linn found a way to get redemption and bring home the state title.
While the championship victory was a team effort, several Bulldogs played key roles throughout the season in helping Linn reach the top.
Leading the way offensively and defensively was senior Gretchen Bott, who finished the season with 66 aces, 415 kills, 531 assists and 275 digs. Bott was a major contributor in multiple areas of the game and also put together an impressive career. She finished with 288 career aces, 1,078 digs, 1,203 kills and 1,829 assists, surpassing the 1,000 mark in all three major statistical categories of kills, digs and assists.
Sophia Hiltgen also had a tremendous season, recording 56 aces, 392 kills, 455 assists and 224 digs. Her ability to contribute in several areas helped fuel the Bulldogs' success throughout the year.
Baileigh Peters made her presence felt on both sides of the ball, finishing with 49 aces, 154 kills and 294 digs. The senior also wrapped up her career with 144 aces, 1,137 digs and 502 kills, surpassing the 1,000-dig milestone during her senior season.
Defensively, Geni Turk was a key piece of the Bulldogs' success, leading the team with 372 digs while adding 51 aces. The senior finished her career with 127 aces and an impressive 1,396 digs, having surpassed the 1,000-dig mark during her junior season.
At the net, Josie Oehmke helped establish Linn's presence with 75 kills and 51 total blocks. Fellow middle hitter Alivia Meier also contributed offensively and defensively, finishing with 90 kills and 36 total blocks.
Charlotte Wert added 27 kills and 43 digs from the outside hitter position, while Emma Hiltgen contributed 20 aces and 123 digs. In the defensive specialist role, Brooklynn Peters recorded 24 aces and 160 digs.
The Bulldogs' historic season was built on contributions from every part of the lineup, with players stepping up in big moments and finding ways to make an impact. From the front row to the back row, Linn had the talent, depth and determination to put together a championship season.
Photo Credit: Dan Thalmann
