Marina
The Lady Spartans Volleyball Team is entering one of the most exciting parts of the season as they prepare for the Emporia Tournament on October 18, marking the final tournament of the regular season.
After a year filled with both triumphs and challenges, the Spartans are looking to finish strong and head into the Sub-State Tournament with momentum and confidence.
Strong Performance Leading Into the Tournament
The team has found its rhythm late in the season, posting an impressive 4-1 record in their last five matches.
Their only loss came against Great Bend, a tight 2–1 battle where the Spartans took the first set before narrowly falling short. All four victories were dominant sweeps (2–0), highlighting the squad’s growing consistency.
Leading the charge is senior Jade Xu, who has been unstoppable offensively, recording 55 kills in the past five games. Xu’s powerful presence on the court has been instrumental in driving the Spartans’ late-season success.
Head Coach Jiangping Wang praised the team’s improvement:
“I felt like the team played well for the last couple of games, and they were able to start playing their game and at their level right away.”
Upcoming Emporia Tournament Schedule
The Spartans will face a challenging lineup in the Emporia Home Tournament, featuring some of Kansas’ top volleyball programs.
Coach Wang believes that the tough competition will help the team sharpen their skills for the upcoming Sub-State event.
| Time / Order | Opponent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. | Seaman | Opening game of the tournament |
| 10:00 a.m. | Washburn Rural | One of the toughest matchups |
| 11:00 a.m. | Maize | Mid-morning matchup |
| 12:00 p.m. | Spring Hill | Late morning competition |
| TBD | Lawrence | Final scheduled match |
Wang said the team will have three focused practices before the tournament, emphasizing offensive coordination and teamwork.
“This week’s home tournament will be tough, but it’s good preparation for the postseason,” she noted.
Team Strengths and Season Highlights
The Lady Spartans’ strength lies in their offensive firepower and the growing chemistry between players. Senior leadership has been vital, with Xu setting the tone for intensity and communication on the court.
Wang emphasized how important this final home event is for her players, especially the seniors:
“The home tournament means a lot to our seniors as they play their last few games at home. My three seniors have been great leaders this season.”
With several underclassmen stepping up in recent weeks, the coach is confident the team has built the right foundation for future success.
“We had our ups and downs, but the girls have learned to play together as a team and support each other. The younger players have grown so much, and I can’t wait to see them lead next year,” Wang said.
Looking Ahead: Sub-State and Beyond
After the Emporia Tournament wraps up on October 18, the Sub-State Tournament begins on October 25, where teams will compete for a shot at advancing to the next round.
For the Spartans, this final home appearance isn’t just about closing the regular season — it’s about setting the tone for postseason glory.
The Emporia Lady Spartans are closing out their regular season on a high note, with the home tournament serving as both a celebration of senior leadership and a crucial test before the postseason.
With strong offensive momentum, experienced players, and a clear focus on improvement, the Spartans are ready to make a statement.
Their journey toward postseason glory starts right at home — and all signs point to a team determined to finish their season stronger than ever.