A big, big event in Salina Friday for our Lady Crusader Volleyball squad and their coaches. It was State 4A Volleyball Tourney time and the stage was set. In one Pool, the Lady Crusaders (#6 seed), Ulysses (#3 seed), Independence (#2 seed) and El Dorado (#7 seed).

In the other Pool, Rose Hill (#1 seed), Louisburg (#4 seed), Basehor Linwood (#5 seed) and Bishop Miege (#8 seed).

In first match action, Ulysses defeated the Lady Crusaders in two sets, 19-25, 16-25.

In their 2nd match vs Independence it wasn't looking good for the team in red, lost the first set to Indy 14-25 and was down in the 2nd set 10-20 at one point. This match was a must-win match for the Lady Crusaders to have any chance of advancing to semi-final play on Saturday. And then it happened. Crusader Magic came a callin'! and a callin'! and a callin'! Don't look now but the 10-20 deficit was suddenly a 25-22 set victory, followed by a 25-23 set victory - match! The Lady Crusaders defeated the #2 seed Independence. It was awesome.

The third and final game in pool play Friday was against El Dorado. The Lady Crusaders came out flat after that unbelievable comeback on Independence but battled the Lady Wildcats to a 34-32 first set victory! They kept pouring it on and in no time it was a two set win for Wellington, downing El Dorado in the 2nd set 25-16. It was an amazing feat accomplished by some very amazing young ladies from Wellington. They are guaranteed no worse than 4th in the State and have a shot at even higher status. 

At 10AM Saturday, the Lady Crusaders will go up against Louisburg, who defeated Rose Hill Friday (Rose Hill was defending their State Crown from last season!). It will be a tough match for Wellington but hey, it's STATE - ain't supposed to be easy! The winner of that game will go on to face the winner of Rose Hill vs Ulysses in the Championship finale. The losers of those two semi-finals will play in a consolation match for 3rd place and a nice plaque!!

A great day for Lady Crusader Volleyball - never say die...just keep pluggin' away...congrats again to the Ladies and their coaches. You represented well and made our community very proud...good luck Saturday!!!

MATCH ACTION PICS FROM FRIDAY