Although Andale wasn’t challenged often in volleyball, when things got tight, the Indians were up for the challenge.
It helps having a player as talented as senior Hayden Grimes. The 5-foot, 9-inch outside hitter came through time and time again for the Class 4A state champions.
Few players in the state had the hitting prowess Grimes did, which made Grimes an easy selection for Ad Astra Radio’s area volleyball player of the year.
Grimes, who is headed to Colorado State next year to play volleyball, helped Andale win the 4A title and finish with a glossy 36-1 record.
Grimes finished her career with 1,144 kills, and the Indians needed many of those on the second day at the state tournament in Hutchinson.
After comfortably sweeping Bishop Miege, Paola and Rock Creek in pool play at state, Clay Center and Topeka Hayden pushed Andale to a third set. Clay Center even won the first set.
But Andale was undaunted in either match, winning the final set against Clay Center 25-18 and against Hayden 25-22.
Grimes, who made the all-tournament team, had 419 kills this season with a .342 hitting percentage. She also showed off her all-around game by having 382 serve receptions, 251 digs, 29 blocks and 28 aces.
Grimes was the AVCTL Division 4 Player of the Year and the 4A State Player of the Year.
