Washburn Rural volleyball enters the postseason with high expectations, a standard set by 30-year head coach Kevin Bordewick. This year, the Junior Blues have faced challenges, including injuries and unexpected losses, but they have also celebrated significant victories.
With a clean slate ahead, Washburn Rural secured the No. 1 seed in the Class 6A West Sub-State bracket. The team concluded the regular season with a record of 28-6. Despite this success, Bordewick, who achieved his 1,076th career win this season—ranking second in Kansas history—believes there is always room for improvement.
“We need to learn how mentally tough we must be,” Bordewick said. “There are no plays off. All those things that coaches talk about, we must do better.”
Four of Washburn Rural’s six losses occurred in the last ten matches. The Junior Blues faced high-level competition in the final month, suffering two defeats against Seaman and one against Shawnee Heights. However, they also secured significant victories over St. James Academy and Wichita North, the latter being ranked No. 2 in Class 6A West.
“I think we have gotten sharper in every aspect of the game,” Bordewick noted. “We just have to be consistently good. Against Blue Valley West in the second set, we allowed them a six-point run. That’s something we’ve discussed, and it needs to be shut down.”
To succeed in the postseason, Washburn Rural must focus on stopping opponents’ scoring runs while creating their own. They have the talent to do so, including outside hitter Layla Collins, who is committed to play at Washburn. Collins recently recorded her 750th career kill. Kate Hinck, who has committed to Washburn soccer, excels as a libero, while junior Dayne Shriver has shown versatility by playing multiple positions.
Bordewick emphasizes the importance of a versatile roster, where players can fill different roles. This approach has helped the Junior Blues reach the Class 6A State Tournament for seven consecutive years.
“I know this team’s true happiness comes from each other,” Bordewick said. “It’s all about how we perform and how we do together. That’s where their best memories come from, and it’s all part of the process.”
Washburn Rural volleyball begins its postseason on Saturday, hosting the Sub-State Tournament. The winner will advance to the state tournament. The top-seeded Junior Blues will face No. 16 Liberal (4-29) in the first round. The bracket also includes No. 8 Topeka High (16-18) and No. 9 Lawrence Free State (13-17).
“There’s no secret to it; you just have to be better than the other team,” Bordewick stated. “It’s not about making great plays. It’s about making consistently good plays.”
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