The Valley Heights Mustangs put on a strong semi-final performance against Hillsboro to make it to the state championship in 2A once again after falling to Maranatha last season in straight sets. It would be the same result for the Mustangs in 2025 as they would fall to Ellinwood in straight sets in the 2A title game. It was Ellinwood’s first-ever state title in program history, and they finished the year at a flawless 47-0. 

Valley Heights swept Hillsboro in straight sets, 25-21 and 25-18. Despite both scores ending reasonably close, it was all Mustangs from the jump. Valley Heights had a 21-14 lead at one point in both separate sets against the Trojans, and despite letting Hillsboro crawl back a bit in each set, the Mustangs managed to put it away with Josie Parker, Mia Vermetten, and, of course, Ava Smith. 

The Ellinwood Eagles and Valley Heights would battle it out in back-to-back hard-fought sets won by Ellinwood, but the Mustangs never did back down. Ellinwood secured set one 25-16 and then set two 25-21 over Valley Heights after starting to find some separation late into set two, around 22-19. 

Many great seniors graduate from this Valley Heights team in the spring, and all will be missed. Senior Ava Smith had a legendary state tournament with well over 60 kills throughout state play and finished the regular season north of 470 kills on the year. 

Valley Heights ends the season 32-11 and as the Class 2A runner-up.