Hillsboro sweeps defending champ Smith Center to take 2A title

DODGE CITY, Kan. (Catch it Kansas) - The Hillsboro Trojans defeated the Smith Center Redmen 25-12, 25-13 to claim the 2022 Class 2A State Volleyball Championship.

Smith Center entered the match as the defending Class 2A Champions. Hillsboro lost to Smith Center last year and had revenge on their mind.

The Trojans built a quick lead of 5-1 in the first game. Smith Center got a side out and closed to within one, 5-4.

They could not tie the game up. Hillsboro went on a run and forced a Redmen timeout with the score 14-7.

Coming out of the break, Hillsboro won the next point.

Zaylee Werth came through with three kills to help the Trojans get to a score of 21-10.

An ace by Ella Suderman sealed the game-one victory at 25-12.

Smith Center kept the second game close early on. They led 2-1 but gave up the next point to tie it with Hillsboro.

The Redmen tied the game at 6-6.

Hillsboro then took the game over. A kill by Savannah Shahan followed by a service ace put the Trojans up 10-7.

Smith Center took their second timeout of the game after the Trojans built a 19-9 lead.

Savannah Shahan provided the kill to end the game and score the championship point at 25-13.

“They were locked in. That’s the best team we’ve seen all year,” said Smith Center Head Coach Nick Linn of the Hillsboro Trojans.

Smith Center ends their season with a 40-5 record.

“I felt we played tight and distracted yesterday,” said Hillsboro Head Coach Sandy Arnold. “We had a team meeting last night in our hotel room. We had a plan and we were going to execute it. I asked them to bring that hype, passion, and emotion. They brought it. That was the best we blocked all season long.

“Our game plan was to attack and make them make a play and get them out of their system. We felt like if we did that, it would help us make more runs.”

“It’s a special win as my daughter is in the senior class. I’ve coached many of these girls since they were little for this very moment right here. That makes it even closer to my heart.”

Hillsboro finishes the season with a 44-1 record.

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