The Lady Centralia Panthers have started their defense of their Class 1A-Division II state title at Fort Hays State University as the number three seed in the state tournament.

Panthers come into the state tourney at the state runner up last season and with a 36-4 record on the season. Centralia has enjoyed great success all season with three of their four losses coming to KVA ranked or previously ranked teams (Wamego, B&B and Silver Lake). Panthers look to be on the prowl for another state, which would be their first since 2006 and eleventh in school history (Panthers 10 state titles fourth most in state history for any classification---one eight straight from 1997-2004).

Centralia was tested from the on set in their first game of pool play as they played the Waverly Bulldogs. The first set teams would trade blows back and forth and ultimately Waverly made the run down the stretch to notch a 25-21 set one win. Well, the Panthers didn't seem to happy by that loss they respond with a vengeance in set number two in a must win situation. The Panthers behind aggressive and timely play cruised to a 25-7 second set win. In the third set Centralia took control early and never relinquish the lead and win the match with a 25-18 third set.

Panthers battled through another tough one going three sets with the seven seeded Bucklin squad. Centralia battled from an early deficit in set one to end on a tremendous stretch run to win set on 25-16. The second set started off like the first all Bucklin, as the Red Aces were moving along until Centralia made late run and came within a point of winning the match, but Bucklin prevailed 27-25. The third and final set was particularly decided early as Centralia started off with an 8-0 run and closed out the set to win it 25-17 and improve to 2-0 in pool play.

With multiple games going three sets in pool play the start times got push backed and the Panthers had to wait to be the last game of the night. With a flare for dramatics all day the Panthers didn't disappoint again going three sets for the third time on the day. Playing the Indians of Hoxie, Centralia found themselves behind the eight-ball early and fell 25-20 in set one. Centralia wouldn't be flustered as they responded to win the next two sets in great fashion 25-12, 25-17.

Many players stood out for the Panthers on the night: Kaitlyn Koch and Emily McNally aggressive and tenacious offense and defense. Liz Hasenkamp and Katy Haufler both make some big time sets all night, while Shelby played Osterhaus had a great serving and Kindal Deters and Jessica Olberding well, too.

Centralia finished the day 3-0 in pool play winning their pool to advance to the semifinals tomorrow at 2:00pm where they will play defending Class 1A-Division I state champs St. John's Hudson. Last two times these teams meet up the state title was on the line, including last season, but St. John's Hudson came out on top.

Pool play (results):

Centralia (3) won in three sets over Waverly (7) 21-25, 25-7, 25-18

Centralia (3) won in three sets over Bucklin (7) 25-16, 25-27, 25-17

Centralia (3) won in three sets over Hoxie (2) 20-25, 25-12, 25-17

Listen live to the games here:

Centralia (3) vs. St. John's Hudson (5) -- Semifinals 2:00pm (click here to listen)

Consolation/Championship -- 15 minutes after semifinals (click here to listen)