Hailey
The Emporia High Lady Spartans volleyball team had a busy weekend at the Valley Center Tournament, where they faced tough competition and mixed results.
While the team showed moments of brilliance, they also struggled with inconsistent play, which led to a final record of one win and three losses (1-3).
Their performance has raised questions about whether the Spartans can build stability and find their winning rhythm as the season continues.
Tournament Performance
The Lady Spartans started the tournament with determination. Their best showing came against Wichita East, where they secured a straight-set victory with scores of 25-9 and 25-23. However, the other matches told a different story.
Against Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Andale, and Wellington, the Spartans showed promise by winning the first set in some games but struggled to keep the momentum. This inconsistency cost them matches that were within their reach.
Here is a simple look at their tournament results:
Emporia High Tournament Results
| Opponent | Scores | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita East | 25-9, 25-23 | Win |
| Kapaun Mt. Carmel | 25-22, 21-25, 17-25 | Loss |
| Andale | 19-25, 17-25 | Loss |
| Wellington | 25-21, 20-25, 18-25 | Loss |
Coach’s Concerns
Head Coach Jiangping Wang praised the team for showing fight but admitted that unforced errors and lack of mental focus were their biggest challenges.
She said, “We faced strong competition, but we played inconsistently. Our main issue was not being able to perform in crunch time. We need to improve both our offense and defense and work on our mental toughness.”
Season Struggles
The Valley Center tournament came during a rough stretch for Emporia. Before beating Wichita East, the Spartans were on a four-game losing streak that began with a home defeat to Lansing.
This season has already been full of streaks—sometimes the Spartans put together four wins in a row, only to follow with four losses. This back-and-forth performance has made it hard for the team to build steady progress.
Standout Players
Despite the inconsistency, the Lady Spartans have two of the best players in the state:
- Jade Xu (Senior): Recently crossed the milestone of 1,000 career kills, which is an impressive achievement for any high school athlete.
- Kaylee DeWitt (Junior): Known for her strong assists and kills, she has also placed among the top 25 players in Kansas.
Both players give the Spartans star power and leadership on the court, offering hope that the team can turn things around.
What’s Next
Coach Wang is focused on preparing for the team’s next matches against Tonganoxie and Baldwin. Both opponents have had seasons similar to Emporia, with their own ups and downs.
- Tonganoxie: Record 6-3, also trading between winning and losing streaks.
- Baldwin: Record 3-5, but coming off a confidence-boosting win over Wellsville.
The Spartans will face these two schools on September 16, giving them a chance to reset and show improvement.
The Emporia High Lady Spartans have proven that they can compete with strong teams, but their biggest battle is not with opponents—it’s with their own consistency.
Head Coach Wang is determined to fix the errors through focused practice, while stars like Jade Xu and Kaylee DeWitt provide leadership and skill. The upcoming games against Tonganoxie and Baldwin will be key tests for the Spartans.
If they can limit errors and maintain their energy through all sets, they have a real chance to bounce back and turn their season around.