LE ROY — Cheer who they are not who they are not.
Southern Coffey County High’s Lady Titans were probably “written off” as a return team to the Kansas Class 1A State Volleyball Tournament in 2010. The team graduated seven seniors, most who were starters in 2009.
Not so fast. Four seniors led the 2010 Lady Titans right back into state tournament play last weekend. Southern Coffey County won its second straight Class 1A substate championship and head back to the tournament this Friday.
Different. Yes, this Lady Titan team is different. Also they got to operate under the Kansas State High School Activities Association’s new format for Class 1A volleyball.
“It was easier for us because we didn’t have to worry about winning a regional tournament then a substate tournament to reach state,” said Kristin Stephens, senior hitter for the Lady Titans.
But that doesn’t mean the 2010 team didn’t have to work just as hard. Maybe a little harder.
“We had our ups and downs this season,” said senior setter Brooke Scheele. “We came out in the substate and had the energy. We played like a team and knew it was win or we were done.”
Scheele and Keasha Parks, another senior setter, didn’t see much playing time last year. They were part of the team that went to state last year.
“This year we knew it was our turn to be the ones on the court. We had to come together as a team and we did,” Parks said.
But all four seniors agreed it was the substate championship win over Cedar Vale/Dexter, which went three sets, that solidified the Lady Titans as a team.
“It was awesome to win another substate championship,” said Sam Jacob, senior hitter. “The championship match was the first time we felt we played really well as a team. This week in practices we’ve come together well.”
The other overwhelming feeling by the Lady Titan seniors is “we don’t have anything to prove. We don’t have anything to lose at state. We can go out and play relaxed.”
Southern Coffey County opens state tournament pool play against Baileyville B&B at 3:30 p.m. Friday. Each team plays three pool matches and the top two teams from each pool advances to Saturday’s semifinals and finals.
The tournament is at Fort Hays State University’s Gross Memorial Coliseum.
The Lady Titans have been in Gross Memorial Coliseum three times already. So the big arena shouldn’t intimidate them.
Nor will their second-round pool play opponent — top-seeded Olpe. Olpe and Southern Coffey County are out of the Lyon County League.
