LARNED — Ellinwood's hard-fought 23-25, 27-25, 26-24 victory over Hoisington lived up to a matchup between state-ranked powers.

The No. 2 ranked 2A Eagles (24-2) matched the No. 7 3A Cardinals (26-4) blow-for-blow with hustling defense, pinpoint passing and quality winners. Every point was hotly-contested.

Hoisington's all-CKL Sofia Simic led the hitting backed up by Brynn Tarlton, Macy Nachtigal, Gabby Reief, Presley Brungardt, Ellie Crawfored, Kinley Wilkens, Kelsi Maiser and Addison Hanzlick.

Ellinwood's trio of Kennedy Behnke, Kyndal Moore and Regan Widener matched the Cardinals. Others contributing were Mette Maxwell, Alyvia Batchman, Ayla Ritchie, Reece Stickney, Bennett Jacobs and Brynn Widener.

LARNED—Ellinwood def. Hoisington 23-25, 27-25, 26-24; Ellinwood def. Hill City, 25-7, 25-7; Ellinwood def. Larned, 25-6, 25-7; Hoisington def. Hill City; Hoisington def. Larned, 25-9, 25-8; Larned def. Hill City, 25-17, 21-25, 25-8

NICKERSON—Smoky Valley def. Nickerson, 25-20, 25-20; Smoky Valley def. Chapman, 25-8, 25-12; Nickerson def. Chapman, 25-17, 25-10