Drew Aggus
Special to the Citizen
It took six games, but the West Platte Bluejays were crowned champions of the Midway Tournament that took place on Saturday, Sept. 28 in Cleveland, Mo.
The Bluejays defeated Kansas City East Christian Academy in pool play, but tied their other two matches 1-1.
Once bracket play actually begun, they were able to knock off Prairie View 2-0, winning both sets by a score of 25-23.
In the tournament’s semifinals, the Bluejays defeated Pembroke Hill, 25-22 and 26-24.
In the championship game, West Platte was pitted against the Lutheran High School of Kansas City, a team who beat the Bluejays 2-0 just three weeks ago. West Platte wanted redemption, and they got just that.
After winning the first set 25-22, the Bluejays dropped the second set 25-13. But in the final set, West Platte was able to hang on for a 25-20 victory, earning them the championship.
Contributed photo
West Platte won the Midway Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 28 in Cleveland, Mo.
Bluejays coach Amber Guthrie was exhilarated by her team’s performance.
“They played with so much heart and fire, and we were playing our best volleyball by the championship game, which is what you want to see,” Guthrie said. “I could not have been more proud of how they handled themselves in that game. Their composure and desire throughout the whole match was so inspiring.”
Tori Norman and Faith Stevens were both named to the all-tournament team. Norman led the team in kills for the tournament with 39, but Lexie Smither (32) and Stevens (27) were close behind. Katy Tharp led the way on defense with six blocks on the day, and Stevens contributed five blocks, as well.
Other matches
West Platte 2, South Harrison 0
West Platte earned a home win over South Harrison on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
The Bluejays were able to win the first set by a score of 25-7 and the second by a score of 25-11.
The offense was led by Tori Norman and Katy Tharp, who had nine kills and three kills, respectively. Faith Stevens chipped in with 12 assists.
Norman and Tharp led the effort on the defensive side, as well, with each contributing one block in the win.
North Platte 2, Hamilton 0
North Platte was able to steal a victory on the road at J.C. Penney High School in Hamilton.
The Panthers swept the Hornets, winning 25-15 and 25-17.
Sophomore Josie Roach led the offense with six kills, while upperclassmen Brianna Bridger and McKenzie Brockhoff had four each. Bridger also had a pair of aces, while senior Maddy Cheadle led the team with three.
On defense, Brockhoff led the way with 11 digs, and Bridger and sophomore Emily Westwood each contributed with five digs. Westwood finished with all four of the Panthers’ blocks.
West Platte 2, Lathrop 0
West Platte earned a conference victory over Lathrop on Thursday, Sept. 26.
West Platte won both the first and second sets 25-18.
Tori Norman had a team-high three aces, and she and Lexie Smither led the team with six kills each. Zoe Buckler (8) and Faith Stevens (7) led the team in assists.
Norman and Stevens both contributed on the defensive side, as well, with five digs each.
North Platte 2, South Harrison 0
North Platte held off South Harrison in a neutral-site game played at Nodaway-Holt High School in Graham on Monday, Sept. 30.
The Panthers won the first set 25-16 and the second set 25-5.
McKenzie Brockhoff and Josie Roach led the way with six kills each, while Frankie Davis and Haylie Hensley each contributed five assists. On defense, Brockhoff had a team-high six digs. In addition, Emily Westwood and Brianna Bridger led the team with two blocks each.
North Platte 2, Nodaway-Holt 0
North Platte picked up a road win at Nodaway-Holt on Monday, Sept. 30.
The Panthers defeated the Trojans 25-16 in the first set and 25-17 in the second.
On offense, McKenzie Brockhoff had a team-high 10 kills with teammate Frankie Davis putting up 11 assists.
On the defensive side of the ball, Emily Westwood led the team with 10 digs, while Brianna Bridger chipped in six blocks.
Up Next
West Platte: The Bluejays will play host to Lone Jack on Tuesday, Oct. 1 and Mid-Buchanan on Thursday, Oct. 3.
North Platte: The Panthers will host the Frontier School of Excellence on Tuesday, Oct. 1 before travelling to Lawson on Thursday, Oct. 3.