Looking to defend their back-to-back State titles in Class 1A-Division I the Centralia Panthers yet again returned to State this year and put together another solid performance, finishing as State runner-up this year.

The action started on Friday with pool play and the Panthers started a little slow in the first set down early to LaCrosse but battled back to take the set and the match in straight sets 25-16, 25-15. In the second pool play matchup it was all Centralia from start to finish of the match as they dominated Thunder Ridge for the straight set win 25-8, 25-10. To wrap up pool play Centralia took on a familiar foe at the State tournament in Hoxie and the Panthers sent the Indians packing with a straight set 25-15, 25-10 victory to finish pool play 3-0 and earn a spot in the 1A-DI Semifinals.

On Saturday the action would get back rolling for Centralia again at the 1A-DI State volleyball tournament as they took on Waverly for the second straight year in the Semifinals of the State volleyball tournament. This year just like the last the Panthers pounced on Waverly and won the match in straight sets 25-16, 25-20, moving them into the State Championship contest.

It was another familiar team for the Panthers in the State title match as they took on Goessel who they beat the previous year for the State title. This year Goessel came into the match unbeaten on the season and number one in the rankings. Centralia took the first set against the Bluebirds, 25-17 giving Goessel their first set loss of the year, but Goessel responded a jumped out to a lead in the second set and took it 25-10 to force a third set. In the third set it was a tight ballgame but down the stretch Goessel took the lead and earn the set win 25-20 to claim the match.

A trio of Panthers earned All State Tournament honors as seniors, Chelsea Huerter and Mayda Stallbaumer earned the honors along with junior, Cassidy Haufler. (Full All-Tournament teams - click here)

The Panthers wrapped up the volleyball season with a 42-2 record and second place finish at State in Class 1A-DI.