Volleyball defeated Jefferson County North in 5 sets Tuesday night to advance to the final four Friday in Dodge City. The Chargers will play Heritage Christian, Smith Center and Hillsboro in round-robin play, followed by a semi-final and finals match.
Senior Jordan Magette hits into a block during the first set. The Chargers won the first set 25-20 before dropping sets two and three 18-25 and 22-25. On the verge of elimination, they bounced back to win the final two sets 25-23 and 20-18. Photo by Baylie Tharman. 
Juniors Lauren Schutter and Sydney Holthaus block during the state quarterfinal match Tuesday night. The match was best of 5 sets because of changes KSHSAA made to post season play. “It was different because we had to find more motivation in the final sets after dropping 2 and 3. Usually it’s done after that but we’re glad we had a chance to keep playing,” Schutter said. Photo by Baylie Tharman. 
Coach Tracy Capoun instructs the team doing Tuesday night’s match. The chargers will face Hillsboro, Smith Center and Heritage Christian Friday at Dodge City. The first match agains Heritage Christian starts at 10:45 a.m. all teams will play five matches — three in pool play and a semifinal and final or consolation match. Photo by Baylie Tharman. 
The chargers huddle during the fourth set against Jefferson County North. “It was weird playing part of state on a Tuesday and having such an important match on a weeknight,” junior Kaelyn Conrad said. Photo by Baylie Tharman. 
The charger pep club cheers during the final set at Jefferson County North. Fans were required to wear masks. No limits were placed on attendance since only two teams were playing. The match was live-streamed on Zoom until it was apparently hacked and inappropriate material was broadcast. Photo by Baylie Tharman. 
The volleyball team celebrates after winning the final set Tuesday at Jefferson County North. The Chargers won the final set 20-18 to advance to the final four of the state tournament Friday in Dodge City. “I felt like it really could have gone either way. We went back and forth between game points and we had to stay strong mentally when we were down,” Lauren Schutter said. Photo by Baylie Tharman.
The Charger 