Centralia Panther Volleyball

Family and togetherness that was the message of Coach Kimbrook Tennal after day one of the State tournament; using an analogy from his son to display to the team in a pep talk that they needed each other and he needed all of them to succeed and accomplish their goal of a State title and that they did accomplish.

The Centralia lady Panthers started their prowl at the begin of the season to make it back to the state tournament and earn Centralia it’s 11^th volleyball state title. Panthers rattled off plenty of wins during the season taking second place at the Wabaunsee, Hiawatha and Silver Lake Invitationals. While the Twin Valley League tournament rolled around and the Panthes had their sights set on the tourney title and took it in a three set battle against B&B.

After winning sub-state the Panthers were on the prowl in Hays gearing up for a run at the state title and came into the tourney as the three seed. In pool play Centralia started off against Waverly and after losing set one, they collared the Bulldogs and took the match in three sets (21-25, 25-10, 25-8). Next up Centralia won the battle of the Panthers beating Pike Valley in straight sets (25-20, 25-14) but Centralia would finish 2-1 in pool play falling to Hoxie in straight sets (25-21, 25-20), to move to the semifinals as the runner-up in pool play.

Spearville Royal Lancers were the Panthers jousting partner in the semifinals and Centralia out dueled Spearville in straight sets for the win (25-21, 25-22) to move to the State title match.

It was a Hoxie again on the docket for Centralia this time for the State title and this time it went the Panthers way. After losing a tough set one the Panthers responded and dispatched Hoxie by taking the next two sets (21-25, 25-20, 25-16) claiming the 1A-Division I State title.

Jubilation commenced after the title match and the Panthers had up the final touches on a season to remember finishing 38-6 on the year and 1A-Division I State champs.