McPHERSON, Kan. – A winning culture is nothing new to McPherson High School. But sprinkling in some adversity, resilience, and an experienced roster filled with leadership created a recipe for success for the Bullpups in 2024.
“What a run in October!” Those were the words from McPherson High School Volleyball head coach Christy Doile following a back-and-forth regular season that ballooned to a State Tournament run in Hutchinson.
After August and September, the team’s record was 8-11. Before 2024, there had only been five McPherson Volleyball teams that had 11 or more losses and made the State Tournament in the program’s near-50 year history. Had McPherson stayed on pace, they would have likely finished in the bottom half of the 4A West Regional Rankings, making a possibility of making it to Hutchinson difficult.
Nobody told the Bullpups that.
October turned out to be McPherson’s month. The Bullpups went on to win 14 of the last 18 matches of the regular season, finishing 22-15 and in 6th place in the 4A West.
This set up McPherson to head to Andale as an underdog to escape 2-0 on the Sub-State tournament. It almost didn’t happen past the first match, as the Bullpups lost their first set in the first match against Wellington 25-10, but the Pups prevailed, winning set two 25-15 and finishing the three-set thriller 25-22.
Then came the host school, No. 3 Andale. The Indians only held Hugoton to 17 combined points in two sets in their first match. However, Andale had to play in the match without their All-State Outside Hitter. The match between the Indians and the Bullpups finished in just two sets that were separated by an average of 2.5 points. McPherson would win both sets 25-23, 25-22, punching their ticket to the State Tournament in Hutchinson.
Before even making the semifinals, the Bullpups had to finish off pool play as one of the two best teams in Pool 2 against three other teams. They did so, defeating Clearwater and Concordia in two sets. They fell to Rock Creek in three sets, but they were still able to move on since Rock Creek also moved onto the semi-finals.
Awaiting McPherson in the final day of the Volleyball season was Bishop Miege, who defeated the Bullpups in the State Championship last season. In the 2024 rematch in the semifinals, Miege dominated set one 25-10. The Bullpups bounced back in set two to make it a challenge for Miege to move on. However, the Stags still beat McPherson in two sets after taking the second 25-21. Bishop Miege would later defeat Rock Creek in the State Championship match.
The Bullpups had one final match of the season: the 3rd Place match against Topeka-Hayden. McPherson took set one 25-21, but Hayden took over in sets two and three, leaving McPherson without any momentum. The Wildcats would defeat the Bullpups in the final two sets 25-15, 25-16.
McPherson’s season ended at 24-18, finishing in 4th Place in 4A.
Despite the outcome, head coach Christy Doile was happy with the team’s resilience when things seemed bleak. “I’m so proud of this team, their togetherness and their fight through adversity,” Doile said. “Something that makes this community and team special is that these girls have grown up together going to Lil Pup camps, playing club and other sports together. Coach [Cheryl] Malm and I have known several of these girls since they were born and the others we met at lil pup camps.”
The team had seven seniors, the most Doile has taken to a State Tournament in her near 20-year tenure. Seniors include Haely Hageman, Josie Fitzmorris, Reese Buchman, Mallorie Cooper, Kenzi Kaufman, Addison Chapman, Cora Pavlovich. Manager Addison Harlin was also recognized by Doile as she was a former volleyball player.
“These girls were the true meaning of team, through the good times and the bad,” Doile said. “Playing time was not equal, roles were diverse, and they handled it with grace. They competed at practice, loved the sport of volleyball and tried their best to make sure whoever was on the court was ready to compete. I want to make sure the community knows how amazing these 8 ladies are and how proud I am of them. These 8 ladies exhibited our core values, work ethic and commitment. They will be successful citizens, outstanding professionals and will positively impact others around them. These numerous qualities are rare and deserve to be recognized.”
Postseason honors were also given to the Bullpups. Junior OH/MH Brooke Doile earned 1st Team All-State Tournament honors for the second straight year. Doile also earned Second-Team All State honors as well. Junior Ava Romero earned All-State Honorable Mention honors.
Below are also the All-AVCTL Div. 3 honorees:
- First Team:
- Brooke Doile (Jr.)
- Ava Romero (Jr.)
- Second Team:
- Haely Hagemann (Sr.)
- Addison Chapman (Sr.)
- Honorable Mention:
- Rylie Whitfield (So.)
- Cora Pavlovich (Sr.)
The 2024 season marked McPherson’s 11th Final Four appearance in the last 50 years. Head Coach Christy Doile’s career record improves to 571-222, a win percentage of 72%.