The gym erupted in cheers a s sophomore Emily Criqui's final spike hit the floor, sealing Marais des Cygnes Valley's ticket to the KSHSAA State Tournament. After months of work, sweat, and determination, the Trojans volleyball team is headed to state for the first time in 22 years.
For the MdCV community, Saturday's win meant more than just a score on the board - it marked the culmination of a season built on teamwork, resilience, and heart.
The Trojans finished the regular season 34-2, the best record in 1A Division II, and held the No. 2 KVA ranking for most of the year. After capturing the Lyon County League Tournament title for the second straight season - again without dropping a single set - they earned the top overall ranking heading into postseason play.
MdCV hosted sub-state as the No. 1 seed, defeating Hartford and Wakefield in straight sets to advance. "It was the loudest I've ever heard our gym," senior Gracen Stahl said. "There were so many people supporting u s - you could feel it."
Senior Akyra Traver agreed. "It was great being at home with more fans showing up for us. Practicing on the same court and playing in that atmosphere helped us so much," she said. "We've proven we can change the environment — at home or away - and that's what sets us apart."
In the first sub-state match, MdCV dominated Marmaton Valley 25-3, 25-18. "We were playing really well, and it gave us confidence going into the championship," said senior Ella Reed.
The Trojans then faced Blue Valley-Randolph, a team they had beaten earlier in the season. "There were definitely nerves," Coach Melissa Criqui said. "But they turned those nerves into positive energy. I told them, 'Play one ball at a time - don't look backward o r forward."
MdCV took an early 9-4 lead in the opening set, forcing a Blue Valley timeout. The Rams regrouped and surged ahead, taking the first set 25-21.
The second set was a battle. Down 9-6, Coach Criqui called timeout to reset her team. The Trojans clawed back behind senior Colbie Cormode's front-row dominance — a pair of blocks, a crafty tip, and steady energy that fueled a run to 18-15. After key kills from Emily Criqui and Stahl, MdCV closed the set 25-22 to even the match.
"There were still nerves," Stahl said, "but Coach Criqui did a great job getting us focused on ourselves and playing our game."
In the deciding set, the Trojans came out swinging. Stahl opened with five blocks in the first three points, Traver added an ace, and Criqui hammered two straight kills for a 4-0 lead. The gym roared.
Blue Valley rallied to within 13-8, but MdCV held strong. One point saw Criqui chase a ball past the stands before sophomore Bella Reeser returned it over for a point - a play that summed up the team's determination.
As the Rams battled back to 24-21, the Trojans needed one last point. Traver served deep left. Blue Valley handled it cleanly and sent it back over. Reed made a perfect pass, Traver set the ball, and Emily Criqui soared from the outside - blasting it past both blockers and onto the floor.
The Trojans were going to state.
"When I saw the ball go up, I just thought, 'Hit it as hard as I can," Emily Criqui said. "I didn't even realize we were going to state at first. I was just happy we won."
"For it to happen my senior year is amazing," said Colbie Cormode. "When the final point hit the floor, I just jumped up with excitement. To have my last home game be the one that sent us to state - that's special."
Coach Melissa Criqui couldn't have been prouder. "They've talked about going to state for four years, and worked for it for four years," she said. "To finally see it happen was incredible. Personally, whether they bring home a trophy o r not, the Trojans have already made school history - and inspired a new generation of players to dream big.
Their hard work and dedication have paid off, and they'll now take their talents to Emporia to compete for a State Championship.
By Kris Collins
UPCOMING DATES AND TIMES
October 31
• COMMUNITY WIDE SEND-OFF 8:15 AM
• TEAM INTRODUCTIONS @ WHITE AUDITORIUM 9:15 AM
• PEP BUS ARIVES IN QUENEMO AT 9:25 AM
• PEP BUS DEPARTS QUENEMO AT 9:40 AM SHARP
• PEP BUS ARIVES IN MELVERN JH/HS AT 10:00AM
• PEP BUS DEPARTS MELVERN AT 10:15 SHARP
• GAME TIME MDCV VS AXTEL 11:00 AM
• GAME TIME MDCV VS HANOVER 1:00
• GAME TIME MDCV VS VICTORIA 3:00