SALINA — Ellinwood volleyball coach Greg Maxwell watches patiently like an artist who’s enjoying a masterpiece.

“I’ve learned the more relaxed I am, it shows our girls trust and confidence,” Maxwell said. “I’m a better coach that way.”

Two-time state champion Ellinwood delivered an emphatic answer to whether the Eagles would defend their 2A state volleyball championship.

The Eagles erased any doubt with a dominating 25-9, 25-14 sweep over Rossville to capture back-to-back 2A state volleyball titles. Alyvia Batchman’s match-winning spike triggered the Eagles’ back-to-back championship celebration.

Five matches and 10 perfect sets later, the Eagles had yielded 124 points, an average score of 25-12.

Senior libero Bennett Jacobs enjoyed the championship ride.

“It’s been amazing, and so much fun,” Bennett said. “We have a good rapport together. We improved and checked off boxes. We continued to win and dominate teams.”

Ellinwood (47-0) has swept 94 consecutive matches after beating Rossville (22-22), which sported the worst finalist record in KSHSAA volleyball history.

“This one is pretty sweet,” coach Maxwell said. “They know who we are now.”

Coach Maxwell’s checklist features pinpoint assists, athletic defensive digs, creative passing and effective shot-making.

“The balance on this team is unbelievable,” said Maxwell. “I don’t know how you can defend us. A game plan is difficult. You’d have to have a balanced defense to stop our attack.

“I don’t know if our attack is the best part. We pass and defend so well, and our blocking has taken a huge step forward.”

Sparkplugs Mette Maxwell (259 digs), Bennett Jacobs (258 digs), Brynn Widener (246 digs), Reagan Wirtz (224 digs) and Alyvia Batchman (211 digs) set the tone with their defensive skill.

The Eagles dominated the net by blocking Rossville’s all-state hitter Nora Burdiek, who has committed to Washburn. Reagan Stickney (82 blocks), Widener (66 blocks) and Ayla Ritchie (61 blocks) led the way.

“A huge part of our preparation was we knew we had to block her,” Batchman said. “We blocked, committed, and kept our eyes on going forward. Once we get that big ‘kill,’ it’s our game.”

Dual setters/hitters Maxwell (607 assists) and Batchman (419 assists) deliver passes on a golden platter while alternating as point-ending winners.

“If you’re running two setters, you better have two good ones,” coach Maxwell said. “It’s special having two leaders out there. I love running a 6-2 offense because you have three hitters.”

The Eagles attacked in waves.

Brynn Widener (292 winners), Maxwell (239), Ayla Ritchie (223), Batchman (202), sophomore sensation Reagan Stickney (171) and Jaizley Andrasek (71) deliver the thunder.

“I improved my game a lot,” Batchman said. “I’ve worked on my setting, and being an all-around better player. Being a hitter is different. But we can put any player on the front row, and they’d be successful.”

Maxwell (117 aces), Widener (70 aces), and Stickney (63 aces) led an aggressive serving attack.

Coach Maxwell saw the Eagles commit to an unselfish, team-oriented concept.

“This year, our challenge was that no one plays with you,” he said. “The only way you can do that is show up every day, every point, every minute. They’ve done that at an elite level.”

2A STATE, SALINA

SEMIFINALS—Ellinwood def. Hays-TMP, 25-13, 25-11; Rossville def. Moundridge, 20-25, 25-20, 25-23; 1ST—Ellinwood def. Rossville, 25-9, 25-14; 3RD—Hays TMP def. Moundridge, 25-20, 20-25, 25-22