The Centralia Panthers have kept their post-season alive by going 2-1 in the Court A pool, defeating both Goessel and Frankfort, but unfortunately coming up short against Little River. The Frankfort Wildcats went 0-3 in Pool A and were officially elimated When Goessel lost to Little River to drop at the time both Frankfort and Goessel to 0-2 in pool play. 

Centralia over Goessel (25-20, 25-18)

Centralia started the morning at 10:00 AM with a strong showing against Goessel, winning set one 25-20 and set two 25-18. The Panthers finished with 20 kills, 4 aces, and 4 blocks in the victory, with Josie Haverkamp leading the way in points with nine. Haverkamp finished with six total kills and two blocks in the match, while both Malayna Becker and Hayden Kramer finished with six kills as well. 

Little River over Frankfort (25-15, 25-17)

Frankfort then began their morning at 11:00 AM against the #1 ranked team and the three-time defending state champions of Class 1A D1, Little River. Frankfort was defeated 25-15 in set one and just 25-17 in set two, competing in a much closer set two, as at one point it was 17-16, with Little River only up by one before pulling away. Loralei Loiseau had 6 kills and a block in the loss as Frankfort would finish with 18 kills after allowing 28 kills to Little River. 

Centralia over Frankfort (25-18, 25-17)

The much-anticipated Twin Valley League rivalry match finally took over a little after noon, and Centralia swept the Wildcats in straight sets, 25-18 and 25-17. Centralia stayed in good pace ahead of Frankfort through both sets as it was Malayna Becker who became the star of the show for the Panthers in the match against the Wildcats. Becker finished with six kills, two blocks, and nine total points combined to improve Centralia to 2-0 in the pool play at the time. This also extended a thirty-eight consecutive set winning streak against Frankfort, dating back to 2016, the last time Frankfort won just a set against Centralia. 

Goessel over Frankfort (25-18, 25-18)

Goessel and Frankfort competed for pride and to come out of the state tournament with at least one win, as both teams were 0-2 in pool play, while Centralia and Little River were 2-0. Goessel defeated the Wildcats in straight sets 25-18 and 25-18, with set one being at one point tied 15-15 before the Bluebirds pulled away. Frankfort’s Loralei Loiseau ended the state tournament with 15 total kills, a block, and an ace. Senior Ashlyn Dalinghaus capped off her senior season as well with 10 kills and two blocks throughout pool play.  

Little River over Centralia (25-14, 25-8)

The final match-up of the day on Court A was Little River and Centralia, the rematch of last year's state championship, which the Redskins pulled away from over the Panthers. Little River wasted no time jumping out early in set one over Centralia 7-1, and from there dominated the rest of the match with a set one victory of 25-14 and a set two finish of 25-8. Both teams were guaranteed Saturday, but it was a battle of who was going to play whom. Malayna Becker concluded with 14 kills through pool play, Hayden Kramer rounded out with 14 kills as well, and Josie Haverkamp finished with 15 kills and 5 blocks to lead Centralia in both categories. 

Summary

Centralia and Little River now move on to Saturday and get a rest on Friday, as 2A will take over on the court tomorrow. Little River will face Quinter at 9:00 AM, while Centralia will also face South Gray at 9:00 AM on Saturday. 

Broadcasts continue on the MSC Radio Network starting at 10:00 AM in Dodge City with the 2A Valley Heights Mustangs taking the floor versus Oakley on 92.1 KMZA. Then, at 11:00 AM, coverage on KAIR 93.7 will start for the 2A Jefferson County North Chargers against Conway Springs. 

(PLAYER STATS ARE NOT OFFICIAL)