Members of the 2022 Louisburg High School winter homecoming court are (from left) Aubryn Berck, Aiden Barker, Chase Kallevig, A.J. Arriola, Corinna McMullen, Carson Kern, Reese Johnson and Isaac Guetterman.

Homecoming week at Louisburg High School kicked off Monday and events are in full swing. With something going on every day this week, it will be a busy time for students. All of it is, of course, centered around the crowning of the 2022 winter king and queen. Eight students were selected as nominees and here are their names and profiles.

The crowning will take place on Friday during halftime of the Wildcat boys’ basketball game with Spring Hill. Tipoff for that game is set for approximately 7:30 p.m. Good luck to all the participants and make sure to come out on Friday to support both the Wildcat girls and boys basketball teams.

Aubryn Berck and Aiden Barker

Aubryn is the daughter of Dave and Amanda Berck. Aubryn has been involved with high school volleyball for three years, member of National Honor Society for two years, FCA for two years. She has been a part of FCCLA for one year, track for one year and volleyball manager for one year. Aubryn has played club volleyball for eight years, shown horses for 10 years and a leader in Life Church’s youth classroom for two years. Following graduation, Aubryn is planning to study nutrition sciences to become a registered dietician. She is undecided on her school at this time.

Aiden is the son of David and Gail Barker. Aiden has participated in football for four years, wrestling for four years and National Honor Society for two years. He is currently undecided on his plans following graduation.

Chase Kallevig and A.J. Arriola

Chase is the daughter of Eric and Kara Kallevig. Chase has participated in volleyball for four years, FFA for three year, National Honor Society for two years, FBLA for two years and basketball for one year. Chase is currently undecided on her plans following graduation.

A.J. is the son of Juan Arriola and Shelly Gibson. A.J. has participated in golf for four years, FCA for two years, musical for two years, choir for two years and FBLA for one year. A.J. plans to major in accounting in college, but is undecided on his destination.

Corinna McMullen and Carson Kern

Corinna is the daughter of Scott and Sarah McMullen. Corinna has participated in volleyball for four years, National Honor Society for two years, Interact Club for one year and FBLA for one year. After graduation, Corinna will attend Washburn University on a volleyball scholarship and major in nursing with a specialization in pediatrics.

Carson is the son of Matthew and Veronica Kern. Carson has participated in basketball for three years and golf for two years. After graduation, Carson plans to attend Pittsburg State University.

Reese Johnson and Isaac Guetterman

Reese is the daughter of Matthew and Tiffany Johnson. Reese has participated in soccer for four years, cross country for four years, National Honor Society for two years, band for two years and FFA for one year. Reese plans to attend the University of Central Missouri after graduation, but is undecided on a major.

Isaac is the son of Ted and Lisa Guetterman. Isaac has participated in FFA for four years, soccer for four years and basketball for four years. He has been a part of National Honor Society for two years and participated in track for one. Following graduation, Isaac plans to attend Iowa State University and major in Agricultural Engineering.

It was a successful, and eventful, 2021 for Louisburg High School athletics and for those who are connected to the Wildcat program. This past year created a lot of school history for LHS and several programs brought back state hardware.

Below are the top stories from 2021, along with a brief explanation of each. Included in the explanation is the link to the actual story from the event.

When putting the list together, I took a lot of things into account – whether it was team vs. individual, popularity of the sport, historical achievements and the interest it drew on the web site.

This year was a blast to cover and I am looking forward to seeing what 2022 will bring. Thank you to everyone for their support and can’t wait for it all to begin again.

10. Louisburg golf team qualifies for state

INDEPENDENCE — For the second time in as many seasons, the Louisburg boys golf team qualified for the state tournament.

Except this time, the Wildcat team is made up of a completely new roster.

The Louisburg group of Johnny Eberhart, A.J. Arriola, Johnny Thompson, Sam Wheeler, Dacey Wieland and Jackson Olson shot a 392 to finish third at the Class 4A regional meet at Independence Country Club. 

The Wildcats were just three strokes behind runner-up Field Kindley. Independence won the regional title with a 361.

Louisburg last went to state in 2019, but the 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19.

Eberhart led Louisburg with an 87 and finished fourth overall and was the lone Wildcat to make the cut for the second day.

9. Compliment steps back from volleyball program after 15 seasons.

When Jessica Compliment walked off the floor following her team’s semifinal sub-state loss to Bishop Miege back in October of 2020, the only thought on her mind was how that match was more like a state championship battle.s

It wasn’t your normal match as the two perennial state contenders had to square off so early in the postseason. She was proud of her team and was looking forward to another season of helping Louisburg volleyball get to another state tournament.

Little did she know, it would be the last time she would find herself on the Lady Cat sideline.

In late January, Compliment submitted her resignation as head volleyball coach as she will be stepping away to spend more time with her growing family.

Compliment certainly left her mark on the Louisburg volleyball program as she finished her 15th season back in October and has an impressive resume to show for it.

In the decade-and-a-half as the Lady Cat coach, Compliment guided Louisburg to eight state tournament appearances and placed in the top four of seven of them.

She also finished nine wins shy of 400 as she posted a record of 391-226 and helped Louisburg to three state championship matches.

Shortly after, the district hired assistant coach Leanna Willer to take over the program.

8. Wildcat boys soccer wins Frontier League title, advances to regional title

It had the drama of a state championship match, but instead the No. 1 and 3 ranked teams in the state were playing for the Class 4-1A regional championship title.

Louisburg hosted Bishop Miege in hopes ending the Stags’ string of consecutive state championships.

Instead, the Wildcats once again saw their season come to a close after a 2-0 loss to the Stags at Wildcat Stadium and ended their season with a 12-5-1 record.

The loss was heartbreaking defeat for the Wildcats, who had their sights set on another state final four — and possibly — a state title. To make matters worse, it was to a Miege team that has handed Louisburg a loss in five of the last six postseasons.

Earlier in the season, the Wildcats were crowned as co-champions of the Frontier League with Spring Hill.

7. Wildcat wrestling medals two

SALINA — Cade Holtzen and Alec Younggren didn’t get to leave Salina with what they were hoping to earn.

Only a select few get to leave with the title of “state champion,” and both Louisburg seniors were close to reaching their goal. Despite that, both wrestlers helped the Wildcat team to their best state finish in nearly 11 years.

Younggren reached the championship match, only to finish second at 220 pounds, while Holtzen rallied back to medal third at 132 during the Class 4A Kansas State Wrestling Championships at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center. The two wrestlers combined to score 30 points, which put them 14th in the team standings.

Louisburg hadn’t finished that high since 2010, when Austin Hood won his first of three state titles and his brother Bryce, took second. The Wildcats were 10th that year.

6. Louisburg cross country qualifies both teams for state, medals four.

WAMEGO — It wasn’t the finish Louisburg wanted following the Class 4A state cross country meet, but the Wildcats left with more than their fair share of hardware.

Louisburg was awarded four state medals following the meet at Wamego Country Club, including three on the girls side for the second straight season.

The Lady Cats had hoped to earn a team plaque for the second year in a row, but took fifth overall with 144 points. Eudora won the girls championship with 56, Baldwin was second with 64 and Winfield was third with 93.

Sophomore Emma Vohs led the charge for Louisburg as she finished sixth overall. Sophomore Maddy Rhamy and senior Reese Johnson also medaled for the Lady Cats.

In his first year with the boys program, senior Jaden Vohs had a strong final run for the Wildcats as he medaled 12th overall.

5. Louisburg cheer finishes runner-up at state competition

TOPEKA — The Louisburg High cheer program knows a thing or two about being one of the last teams left standing at the Game Day Showcase.

Louisburg, which won a state title in 2019 and took third in 2020, found itself one of the two teams left standing.

When the final results were announced in November, the judges awarded the Wildcat cheer squad the state runner-up plaque. Paola won the state title, while Baldwin made it a Frontier League sweep as it took third.

4. Wildcat girls take fourth at state soccer

WICHITA — The Louisburg girls soccer team may have left the Class 4-1A Kansas State Girls Soccer Championships with a pair of losses, but the Wildcats took a lot of pride in what they accomplished.

For the fourth straight season, Louisburg advanced to the state final four and the Wildcats finished fourth in the state – a far cry where many people thought they would end up. The Wildcats lost a pair of 2-1 matches to Mulvane and then to McPherson in the third-place match at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita.

Louisburg, which lost 12 seniors from a season that didn’t happen due to COVID, returned just three varsity players. Despite all that, they ended up being one of the top teams in the state.

3. Louisburg girls basketball snaps 47-year state drought, takes third at state

SALINA — The tears were abundant following Louisburg’s loss to McPherson in the Class 4A state semifinal game.

The Lady Cats saw their season come to an end after their 58-46 loss to the Bullpups in Salina, but as hard as the finality of it was to take, they know what is the bigger picture.

Before the game even started, Louisburg already wrapped up its best finish in program history and became the first Lady Cat team to place at state as it finished third.

A season that finished with a 19-5 record and a third place state trophy, is one that will always be remembered in Louisburg history.

“It means the world to me to finish third at state,” senior Megan Foote said. “Obviously it wasn’t how we wanted to finish, but that’s okay. I’m still beyond proud of this group and the accomplishments we have made. We are the best girls basketball team in Louisburg history. I’d say to be a part of that, is pretty awesome. I’m honored.”

For the last three quarters of the game, Louisburg actually outscored McPherson 43-37, but it was the first quarter that the Lady Cats weren’t able to overcome.

McPherson scored the first 15 points of the first quarter and took a 21-3 lead going into the second period.

2. Wildcat basketball advances to first-ever state title game, finish runner-up

SALINA — The result of the state championship game is not what the Louisburg boys basketball team will focus on several years from now.

The fact that the 2020-21 Wildcats recorded the best finish in school history, will be more than enough for them to fondly reminisce about.

Louisburg, which played in its first-ever state championship game in Salina, fell to state power Bishop Miege, 94-40. As disappointing as the result was, many of the Wildcats were looking bigger picture.

“We will forever live in history with this senior class and with this team,” senior Weston Guetterman said. “Until someone wins it at least, we are going to be the bar that everyone looks to. It is a proud moment for all of us.”

In the state semifinal, the Wildcats got a revenge victory with a come-from-behind 58-55 win over Augusta to advance to the state title game.

1. Wildcat track wins second state championship; Wright wins three state titles.

WICHITA — On the 10th anniversary of the Louisburg boys’ first state track championship, this year’s team wanted to do something to commemorate the historic event.

The Wildcats decided they wanted to win one of their own.

Louisburg edged out Andale for the state championship Friday during the Class 4A Kansas Track and Field Championships at Cessna Stadium in Wichita.

It is just the second track championship for Louisburg and just the fourth team state championship in school history. 

The first one was a golf title in 1977, and then football won its first state title in 2010. The track team followed with its first later that school year in 2011 and the Louisburg cheer squad won a state title in 2019.

“There are no words to describe how incredibly proud I was of the entire team,” Louisburg coach Andy Wright said. “It was a total team effort. It was a moment I will never forget as a coach, and how exciting that it came down to the final race.  Everyone gave it their all, and I just couldn’t happier as a coach to see all of that hard work pay off for them with the greatest reward.”

Tom Koontz led the Wildcats with four state medals, including a state championship in the 110-meter hurdles.

On the girls side, Delaney Wright made some history of her own. 

Wright was the favorite to win state titles in her three events at the Class 4A State Track and Field Championships.

She didn’t disappoint. 

Wright not only won three state championships, but she won them in convincing fashion, breaking two school records in the process. The Louisburg junior won the long jump, 400-meter dash and the 200-meter dash on her way to an historic day in Wichita.

“My experience at state track this year was amazing,” Wright said. “The people competing there were super nice and my teammates made it more fun. It meant a lot to pull off winning three state titles.”

Wright became the first female Wildcat athlete to win three state titles in the same year as she helped the Lady Cats to a fifth place finish in the team standings – also the highest finish for Louisburg girls track and field.

“I can’t say enough how awesome of a competitor Delaney is,” Louisburg girls coach John Reece said. “I know she went to state with one thing on her mind – win.  She did just that and truly performed to her best. Winning three different events is an incredible feat.”

Louisburg senior Davis Guetterman is looking forward to her next stop as a member of the University of Sioux Falls volleyball team.

Davis Guetterman always had faith that everything would work out when it came to volleyball.

The Louisburg senior had always wanted to play college volleyball, but going through the recruiting process had its worries and challenges at times. Through it all, it was Guetterman’s faith in God that helped lead her to her future desitnation.

After some different options, one become abundantly clear that she was going to call home for the next few years.

At a signing ceremony on Dec. 8 at Louisburg High School, Guetterman made it official as she signed her letter of intent to play at the University of Sioux Falls, a Division II program in Sioux Falls, S.D.

“Any interview or recruitment is a learning journey,” Guetterman said. “God had in mind that USF was the right place for me and it was for me to find that out. Obviously with COVID it was more challenging to connect with college coaches, but Sioux Falls had an immediate interest in my passion for the game. Previous coaches and my parents have always told me that skill can vary from day to day, but effort is completely controllable. That has stuck with me in any game or practice I have been in. 

“I knew USF was right for me when I got to meet all of the players and coaches on my visit. I also loved that the college was a Christian university and I could grow in my faith as well as my athletic and academic skill. I plan to study biology and chemistry at USF with the intent of going to medical school afterward.”

Guetterman shared the setting duties at Louisburg with teammate Corinna McMullen as both were the starting setters for the last four years in the Lady Cats’ 6-2 offense.

Moving up to the collegiate ranks, Guetterman knew she wanted to grow in that position and she found the person to help her do that in USF head coach Dan Mathews.

“The only setters on the roster for the 2022 season are freshmen,” Guetterman said. “Other teams might see this as a downfall, but I think it shows how much trust and respect that Coach Mathews has in the athletes he has recruited. I am also very excited that Coach Mathews was a Division 1 men’s setter and has extreme experience in the position. 

“The freshmen will report in early summer and I intend to compete for the starting setting spot the day that I step on campus. I predict that multiple setters will have the chance to play because of the high level that USF plays at and the necessity for height and attackers in the front row.”

Guetterman had a lot of success for the Lady Cats as she helped Louisburg to two state tournament appearances, including a runner-up finish as a freshman and a fourth place finish as a sophomore.

This past season, Guetterman was an All-Frontier League selection as she played all six rotations, along with her setter duties.

The Louisburg senior led the team with 436 assists and a team-high 58 aces. She also added 184 digs and had 146 kills.

She hopes to take the experience she had in Louisburg and grow to an even better player at USF.

“My goals are to grow the USF program and create relationships at the highest level of Division 2 competition in the country,” Guetterman said. “USF has consistently been ranked in the middle of the NSIC conference; however, with the instruction of new Head Coach Dan Mathews and his vision for the program, I envision large strides for the team. 

“The University of Sioux Falls has the facilities, the coaches, and the recruited athletes to be a NCAA D2 tournament contender. This year the team beat three ranked opponents, giving great insight to the type of play that USF is capable of.”

Playing collegiate volleyball is something Guetterman has always strived for, but there were always doubts at different times in her life. Still, she never lost sight of her goals.

“I wanted to play college volleyball since middle school,” Guetterman said. “My club volleyball team, PVA, strongly encouraged us to reach out to college coaches whether we desired to play or not. Since I was so young I hadn’t really considered playing, but once coaches started contacting me I realized it could become reality. When I was younger I dreamed of playing on the big stage, but never really thought I would get the chance.”

Guetterman is getting the chance she has always wanted and she has the Louisburg volleyball program to thank for that. It is where her love for the sport began.

“Volleyball has been a part of my life since I was in the third grade,” Guetterman said. “I have all of the Louisburg volleyball alumni to thank for the love of the game that I found. I remember in elementary school I was that nerd who found the volleyball schedule in the newspaper, cut it out and taped it in my school binder. 

“I envied to be like those girls and I eventually got the opportunity to carry on the winning tradition. I have been able to establish and volunteer at youth volleyball camps, where I hope I am instilling this love of the game for the girls in the Louisburg community.”

Corinna McMullen has always found herself around volleyball.

Whether it was shadowing her older sister, Sophie, to all her volleyball events or just playing the sport herself, volleyball was quick to consume Corinna’s life — but in a good way.

Since she was young, McMullen has always wanted the opportunity to show what she could do on the college stage. Now she is going to get that opportunity. 

Last month, the Louisburg senior signed her letter of intent to play at Washburn University, and on Nov. 21, made it official in front of family and friends during a signing ceremony at LHS.

“I knew from the very beginning that it was my dream to play college volleyball,” McMullen said. “Whether that be for falling in love for the sport or watching my siblings do the same and it become an expectation for me, it was always been a realistic goal that I was determined to achieve. I had a tough time inviting everyone that has helped me get to the place where I am today because there are too many too count. 

“I was so grateful for everyone that could make it, but no hard feelings to the people who couldn’t because I know they helped me become who I am deep down inside. My parents also tried their very best to make sure my moment was special and I am forever blessed to not only have them, but the Louisburg community around me.”

McMullen was a four-year starter for the Lady Cat volleyball team and helped Louisburg to a state runner-up season and a fourth place finish during her time with the program.

She has earned All-Frontier League and all-state honors during that time as the team’s setter and McMullen ran the offense, along with teammate Davis Guetterman, for all four years.

All those accolades provided McMullen with a few different options on the college level, but it was Washburn that made the most sense.

“My decision to commit to Washburn was not a tough one,” she said. “My goal was to stay close to home to continue to watch my siblings grow, while also having my family and friends support me with a one hour drive. Another goal was to go somewhere where I could make an impact and leave my mark as I did with Louisburg volleyball. Family has always been a big part of my life and so is volleyball, so I got the best of both world when committing to Washburn.

“Coach Chris Herron is very successful, while also caring for every one of his players. I know he will be a perfect fit for me and will push me to be my very best as did all my coaches in the past. The decision was definitely stressful and took weight off my shoulders due to the fact that volleyball recruiting starts freshman year. Making highlight videos, emailing coaches, playing your very best at all moments is very stressful for all players, making committing the best feeling in the world. I put all my marbles into Washburn because I knew it was the place for me.”

The Washburn program took notice of McMullen early on and the Ichabods believe she is a great fit for their team.

“Corinna has had extensive training with the USA High performance program,” Herron said. “She is an outstanding competitor and very good defender as well as setter. She is the type of player you just want on your side of the net.”

This year’s Ichabod team found themselves as one of the two teams left standing in Division II. Washburn advanced to the national championship match, before losing to Tampa in three sets.

That recent success, along with academic success, has made McMullen excited to get started.

“Washburn has a very successful volleyball program along with an amazing academic program,” McMullen said. “They also have an outstanding nursing program for which I will study under to become a Pediatric Nurse. My goal was to get my school paid for and I am thankful that they can help through athletic and academic scholarships. The whole coaching staff is a great fit for me and the campus is beautiful.”

Louisburg senior Corinna McMullen played in the GKCVCA All-Star Match last month and she also earned all-state honors from the Kansas Volleyball Association.

Corinna McMullen has seen a lot of postseason honors come her way since the end of her volleyball season and she earned two more honors last month. 

McMullen was named as a Class 4A honorable mention all-state selection by the Kansas Volleyball Association.

The Louisburg senior had a strong season despite missing a few matches due to injury. McMullen led the Lady Cats with 224 kills and was also second on the team with 284 assists. She also had 194 digs and 35 aces on the year after playing all six rotations.

McMullen was also first-team all-league selection. She guided the Lady Cats to a sub-state finals appearance despite the team having to deal with an injury-plagued year.

“Earning another all state honor really surprised me, but also made me feel so grateful to feel that all of my hard work has paid off to be recognized,” McMullen said. “I thought because of the injury that I wouldn’t get many awards, but thankfully the coaches saw past that and saw me for the player and person I truly am on and off the court. 

“Our season was unlike any season I have ever been apart of with all of the injuries and modifications during the season, but it was a growing moment for Louisburg volleyball. The four seniors this year played a major role in not only the team’s performance, but the team’s leadership and teamwork. I am super excited to watch all of the younger players grow into the role they choose to be next year and only hope that I was a role model for them to look up to.”

McMullen was also chosen to participate in the Greater Kansas City Volleyball Coaches Association All-Star match on Nov. 21 at Avila University.

She competed in the small class all-star match which pitted some of the best seniors on each side of the state line. Although McMullen and Team Kansas fell 2-1, she was happy to be chosen to represent the area.

“The MOKAN All Star team was an amazing and rewarding honor to achieve,” McMullen said. “I have been looking forward to qualifying for that game ever since I watched my older sister, Sophie, in the stands when I was in eighth grade. To think that I am not done playing with Louisburg volleyball is beyond me. 

“It was so fun to work with other girls and to learn how to play together without having a single practice. Instead of rivals, they were teammates and we all were so grateful to represent Kansas’ small class.”

For a team that battled injuries most of the season, Louisburg found itself one win away from a trip to the state tournament.

Although it was an up and down year for the Lady Cats with a 20-17 record, a few players caught the eyes of league coaches. When the All-Frontier League Volleyball teams were released last week, Louisburg had three players on the list.

Senior Corinna McMullen was a first-team selection and was also an honorable mention setter. Senior Davis Guetterman was an honorable mention setter and another senior, Chase Kallevig, was named as an honorable mention libero.

“We have a very strong league with some very talented players,” Louisburg coach Leanna Willer said. “With the structure of our all-league teams I feel that it was tough to give every girl the recognition she deserves. I firmly believe that we had more than one first or even second team caliber player this season. That being said, I am happy that we landed three of our outstanding seniors on the all-league list.”

McMullen had a strong senior campaign for the Lady Cats as she led the team with 284 kills and was also second on the team with 284 assists. She also had 194 digs and 35 aces on the year after playing all six rotations.

“Corinna ended the year as our leading hitter with a 0.250 hitting percentage,” Willer said. “She was our go-to and we could count on her to put the ball away even with her small size in the front row. She provided our team with a spark and energy that carried us through many tough matches.”

Guetterman was the Lady Cats’ other setter as they ran a 6-2 offense for most of the season. The Louisburg led the team 436 assists and a team-high 58 aces. 

She also added 184 digs and had 146 kills as she played all six rotations as well.

“Davis led our team in assists and aces,” Willer said. “She is our resounding source of leadership and the ultimate hype woman for every single one of her teammates. She was willing to do whatever was asked of her, all for the good of the team.”

Kallevig was in her second straight season as the team’ libero and was one of the best in the league at her spot. She had a team-high 340 digs and was also strong from behind the service line with 37 aces.

“Chase held down our back row with consistent serve receive and defense, and she pushed other teams by being aggressive behind the serving line,” Willer said. “Unfortunately, all three of these seniors had to miss six or more matches due to injuries and we missed them tremendously on the court. They have truly left their mark on this program and we will not be the same without them next year.”

ALL-FRONTIER LEAGUE VOLLEYBALL

First Team

Fisayo Afonja, Baldwin, sophomore

Kate Frakes, Spring Hill, senior

Rylee Serpan, Spring Hill, senior

Corinna McMullen, Louisburg, senior

Emery Keebaugh, Ottawa, sophomore

SETTER: Daphne Gardner, Spring Hill, junior

LIBERO: Cate Milroy, Spring Hill, senior

Second Team

Chaney Barth, Baldwin, junior

Mariyah Noel, Bonner Springs, junior

Harper Schreiner, Eudora, senior

Sophia Ewy, Eudora, senior

Sofia Ficken, Ottawa, senior

SETTER: Kirsten Evans, Ottawa, senior

LIBERO: Alexis Morscher, Bonner Springs, senior

Honorable Mention

Mikayla White, Paola, senior

Mackenzie Kuehl, Paola, senior

Maggie Kauk, Paola, junior

Maddie Pitzer, Paola, junior

Mercedes Madlock, Bonner Springs, senior

Alyssa Reichard, Baldwin, sophomore

Lucy Reike, Tonganoxie, sophomore

Shannon Frakes, Spring Hill, sophomore

Kaia Cordill, Piper, senior

SETTER

Maddie Pitzer, Paola, junior

Mercedes Madlock, Bonner Springs, senior

Sophie Baker, Baldwin, senior

Corinna McMullen, Louisburg, senior

Davis Guetterman, Louisburg, senior

Emma Durr, Eudora, senior

LIBERO

Taryn Marcum, Paola, sophomore

Chase Kallevig, Louisburg, senior

Emma Stottlemire, Ottawa, senior

Kylie Vandervoort, Tonganoxie, junior

Louisburg senior Corinna McMullen records a kill in Saturday’s sub-state championship match against Baldwin. McMullen led Louisburg with 20 kills on the day.

BALDWIN CITY — Sometimes there are seasons where everything goes your way.

It wasn’t that type of season for the Louisburg volleyball team — in fact — it was quite the opposite. The Lady Cats dealt with injuries for a majority of the 2021 season and it was no different heading into Saturday’s Class 4A sub-state tournament.

Despite getting three players back from injury, Louisburg was without starting middle blocker Emma Prettyman.

The Lady Cats responded with a 28-26 and 25-12 victory over Parsons to advance to the sub-state semifinals against No. 2 Baldwin.

Louisburg pushed the Bulldogs to a third set, but the Lady Cats came up short in the 25-21, 21-25 and 25-15 loss.

It also meant the final game for Louisburg seniors Aubryn Berck, Chase Kallevig, Corinna McMullen and Davis Guetterman.

“Losing never feels good, but losing at the end of the season is heart wrenching, especially in a tough match like that when we have worked so hard all season long,” Louisburg coach Leanna Willer said. “We knew it would be a tough match up with Baldwin, just like earlier in the year, but we came prepared for a battle. Unfortunately, we were not the team on top in the end. Baldwin is a great team. They play with a lot of high energy and they have some stud players that came out in full force on Saturday. 

“I think they knew they were going to have to bring it in order to beat us, and they definitely had some players step up. The atmosphere was loud and crazy, but our players love that energy. It was a great volleyball environment and we are proud of the way we played.”

It was a championship match filled with runs as both teams came out swinging.

Louisburg opened the first set with a 7-2 lead after kills from Adyson Ross, Hailey Sword and McMullen. Baldwin would respond with five straight points to tie the match.

It was a tight set most of the way as Kallevig tied it at 18-all after an ace. Ross also had an ace to pull Louisburg within one. Baldwin went on a 4-1 run to end it and take the first set.

Baldwin was the one who took the lead in the second set, but the Lady Cats had a big rally to force a third. Louisburg went on a 7-1 run to win the set thanks to aces from Berck and kills from Ross, Sword, McMullen and Guetterman.

Louisburg (20-17) used that momentum to take a 5-1 lead to start the third after a block from Ross and an ace from Guetterman. Unfortunately for the Lady Cats, it was all Baldwin after that as the Bulldogs outscored Louisburg 24-10 the rest of the way.

It was similar to the five-set thriller the two teams played Louisburg earlier in the season, with the Lady Cats pulling out the win. The only difference this time was the result.

“The match had a lot of ups and downs,” Willer said. “Baldwin came out on fire, and it took us a second to warm up. I thought we really turned it on in the second set, which helped us win. Volleyball is a huge game of momentum. There were big swings in both directions, but they ended up having a few more go their way. Our first five-set match was a thriller, and this one felt no different. We were never out of it, always fighting and pushing back even when their hitters made a big play.

“It did feel like we had the wave of momentum on our side at that point in the third set. We went up 5-1 on Davis’s serve, in what is typically our strongest rotation. On the next point, we made an error to give them the ball back. After a couple of side outs by each team, they were in the rotation with both Fisayo Afonja and Chaney Barth in the front row. We had difficulties with both of those hitters all day, but they went on a run in the third in this rotation and we just weren’t able to answer back.”

Guetterman and McMullen were both the team leaders in assists and kills in the two matches.

Guetterman had a team-high 31 assists, while McMullen had a team-best 20 kills. McMullen finished with 16 assists and Guetterman had 12 kills.

Kallevig and Ross each had three aces to lead Louisburg and Claire Brown was in double figure kills with 10. Kallevig also had a team-high 23 digs, while Berck, Guetterman and McMullen had 19, 18 and 17, respectively.

Although, the Lady Cats will return a core of this group, they have to say goodbye to their four seniors and the impact they had on the team.

“I cannot talk about this senior class enough,” Willer said. “I have been so incredibly blessed to have my first year as head coach be with these senior leaders. They are some of the most dedicated and hard working players who live and breathe the game of volleyball. Rinny and Davis have been running the show since they were freshmen, Chase has been a major part of the defense since she was a sophomore, and Aubryn came in this year and made a huge impact in the back row. They are the core of our defense, serve receive, and offense, and they are at the top of each statistics chart (aside from blocking, but they are close). Even when three of them were injured this season, they found a way to be involved in practices and games by being my ‘assistant coaches,’ especially when our JV and Freshman teams were playing elsewhere. I know that every freshman, sophomore, and junior looks up to them because it’s impossible not to. They are always there ready to push themselves and their teammates. They are never satisfied and always hungry to learn more and keep getting better. 

“They have been excellent role models for our players and have set some pretty high standards for what we expect from our players going forward. They leave behind some pretty big shoes to fill, but they have been training their younger teammates for this moment from the very beginning. They believe in what we are doing here with LHS volleyball and are 100 percent supportive of the next team to come. There will never be another group like this one. They have forever left their mark on Louisburg and they will be dearly, dearly missed. We wish them the best of luck as they move on in their volleyball careers and schooling in the years to come.”

Here is the Louisburg Sports Zone Athlete of the Week for week eight of the fall sports season, sponsored by Dr. Laura’s Orthodontics.

DAVIS GUETTERMAN, SENIOR, VOLLEYBALL

Louisburg senior Davis Guetterman helped guide the Lady Cat volleyball team to a 2-1 week and a spot in the sub-state finals against Baldwin. Guetterman led Louisburg with 59 assists in the three matches to go along with 19 kills and four aces.

Although the Lady Cats saw their season come to an end, Guetterman finished with a big year for Louisburg. As one of the team’s setters, Guetterman led her team with 456 assists on the season and also led the team in aces with 58. Defensively, Guetterman also performed well with 184 digs.

The athlete of the week award is announced every Wednesday morning during the fall season and the winner is selected by Louisburg Sports Zone with the help of nominations from coaches.

Previous Winners:

Week 1: Jaden Vohs

Week 2: Declan Battle

Week 3: Corinna McMullen

Week 4: Emma Vohs

Week 5: Braden Yows

Week 6: Mack Newell

Week 7: Mason Dobbins

Louisburg senior Corinna McMullen tips a ball over the net Tuesday at Piper High School. The Lady Cats defeated Piper, 3-1, in their regular season finale.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Injuries have just been a part of the Louisburg volleyball team’s season for better or for worse — mainly for worse.

The Lady Cats were recently without three senior starters and that coincided with a six-match losing streak heading into Tuesday’s regular season finale at Piper.

Although Louisburg got its senior starters back healthy enough to play, the Lady Cats were dealt another setback with junior middle blocker Emma Prettyman out with an injury.

Throw in the fact that the Lady Cats are without starting middle blocker Allie Kennedy, who is done for the year with a leg injury, and Louisburg has been having a challenging season.

Louisburg saw a glimmer of hope Tuesday as it pulled out a 3-1 victory over Piper with much of their starting rotation back in action.

“We are very happy to be back on the winning side of things,” Louisburg coach Leanna Willer said. “Our team is very competitive and really wanted to win Tuesday night to finish out the regular season. We are extremely happy to have our seniors back playing – their leadership is a game changer for us and it was important to all of us that they were able to play in their last league match of their high school careers.”

The Lady Cats (19-16) showed a little rust at times, but they were able to get stronger as the match went on. 

Louisburg won the first set 25-23, but fell in the second, 19-25. The Lady Cats responded as they won the next two sets. 25-20 and 25-20 to seal the road victory.

“Overall we played well,” Willer said. “We definitely had some kinks to work out as the group on the floor hadn’t played together for a while, but once we figured out how to limit our errors and just relax and play we felt pretty good. Piper is a strong team that has challenged every team in the league this year, so it was nice to win in the end.”

Senior setters Corinna McMullen and Davis Guetterman were back to running the offense and Guetterman led the way with 28 assists and also had three aces. McMullen had 18 assists, two aces and also had a team-high 13 kills.

Junior Claire Brown and sophomore Hailey Sword were also big at the net. Brown was second on the team with 12 kills and Sword had 11. Sword also had a team-high three aces.

Defensively, senior libero Chase Kallevig returned to lead the back row with 25 digs. Junior Adyson Ross had 12 and senior Aubryn Berck added 12 digs.

Now the Lady Cats’ focus is on the postseason. Louisburg earned the No. 7 seed and will travel Saturday to Baldwin High School for sub-state action.

Louisburg will face off with No. 10 Parsons in the sub-state semifinals at 3 p.m. A victory could set up a rematch with Louisburg and Baldwin.

The Lady Cats defeated Baldwin in five sets at home earlier this season, but they know sub-state will be a more challenging test.

“Our girls have been working hard all week at practice and they are excited to come out and perform tomorrow,” Willer said. “We know that nothing is guaranteed and we have to show up ready to work for every point and earn each win as a team, with everyone working together. I cannot think of a season that has had to have such an emphasis on being team players as much as ours. At some point, every single player on our roster has had to step up into major roles on the court and we have relied on each and every person. 

“At this point we are pros at facing adversity and overcoming obstacles, so we are prepared for whatever challenge comes our way on Saturday. We will face some very tough opponents in Parsons, and potentially Baldwin, Coffeyville, or Chanute. Our sub-state bracket is tough, but we have come to the conclusion that we are thankful for the opportunity to play some really great volleyball and fight for a spot in Hutchinson.”

Louisburg sophomore Hailey Sword (right) gets a block during a match earlier this season. The Lady Cats enter their most important week as sub-state begins Saturday.

The Louisburg volleyball team faced its toughest competition of the season this past week.

If that wasn’t difficult enough, the Lady Cats had to it with half of their normal starting lineup on the bench.

Louisburg senior starters Chase Kallevig, Davis Guetterman and Corinna McMullen were all out with injuries as the Lady Cats went up against five Class 5A or bigger programs. Louisburg also ventured to Wamego for a triangular.

It wasn’t a good recipe for success as they lost all six matches to Blue Valley, Basehor-Linwood, Blue Valley North, Mill Valley, Olathe North and Wamego.

“We had some stiff competition last week,” Louisburg coach Leanna Willer said. “We faced the No. 1, No. 6 and No. 7 teams in 6A in the East, as well as the No. 6 team in 5A in the East. Wamego is also a very strong 4A team. I was proud of how our girls came into every match positive and ready to focus on our side of the court, getting better each time. We emphasized our effort, communication, and teamwork as things we always wanted to be top-notch, and really focusing on the things we can control.”

Since Louisburg’s starting setters, Guetterman and McMullen, were both out with an injury, Willer pulled up junior varsity setter Megan Quinn to help run the team. Quinn finished the week with 61 assists in her first varsity action. 

Outside hitter Claire Brown also took a big step forward for the Lady Cats and played all six rotations. Brown led Louisburg with 28 kills and 37 digs.

“We saw many girls step up and rise to the occasion last week,” Willer said. “I can’t imagine being put in a much tougher position than Megan Quinn having to come in and set at the varsity level for the first time with that schedule all week, but she handled the pressure very well. 

“We saw our defense step up and make some really awesome plays against some very powerful hitters. I thought that Claire Brown played well as she has become our go-to attacker, and our middles both worked hard to get as many touches on the block as they could.”

Sophomore Hailey Sword had 18 kills and 32 digs. Junior middle Adyson Ross had a team-high six aces and five blocks during that stretch. 

Senior Aubryn Berck had 27 digs and three aces and junior middle Emma Prettyman had 11 kills and five blocks.

The Lady Cats will now focus on their most important week of the season that begins Saturday when they travel to Baldwin for the sub-state tournament.

Before then, Louisburg will travel to Piper today for its final league dual of the season. Still, the Lady Cats hope to take the court with their full roster of players.

“We are very excited for sub-state,” Willer said. “Of course we are focused on taking care of business at Piper, but then we can definitely shift our focus to Saturday. Senior Chase Kallevig will be back in the rotation, and we are looking to ease Davis and Corinna back in as well. As seniors, they are dying to play and want our team to be as close to full strength as possible for the postseason. We are hoping that the rest last week gave their bodies some time to recover and to be able to play this week.”