Senior volleyball players Alexis Hafenstine, Laurel Barber, Macy Falk and Megan Strait hold the sub-state trophy after defeating Rossville Saturday night. The class has qualified for state three of its four years. Photo by Danielle Murphy.

Chargers enter state as #3 seed with a 36-3 record

After defeating Rossville in the sub-state championship, the WHS girls volleyball team is headed to state for the second year in a row. The Chargers won against the Bulldogs 25-17, 25-12.

Coach Tracy Capoun is confident about the team’s chances at state. “We just need to focus and play our game like we always play our game,” Capoun said. She said that the team’s focus has been an important force to propel them to first place this season.

The team is also feeling confident. Senior Alexis Hafenstine described the team’s optimistic energy and leadership as its strengths. Hafenstine broke her two front teeth while diving for a ball in the championship match, but finished the match without missing a point. “I just thought about the rest of my teammates and all that was on the line for us and I knew I had to keep going,” Hafenstine said. “We’ve come a long way as a team from the beginning of the year and we just have so much fun playing together.”

“I just thought about the rest of my teammates and all that was on the line for us and I knew I had to keep going.”

— Alexis Hafenstine

The volleyball program continues to prove its strength, going to state six times in the last nine years. Capoun said the team’s experience at state gives them an edge. “Four teams from last year are in the other pools, we’re by ourselves.”

Senior Megan Strait said “We can handle the pressure given to us, and us seniors are just trying to make our last go around worth it. Previous state trips have helped because I know what to expect and it helps my team with the nerves because we’ve been there before.”

The team will enter the tournament seeded 3rd and will play at 3:30 p.m. Friday at the United Wireless Area in Dodge City. The team will also play at 5:30 and 8:30. The top two seeds from pool play move on to Saturday.

— Eleanor Badeker