BY JIM MISUNAS

jmisunas@gbtribune.com

SALINA -- Ellinwood's journey to back-to-back 2A state volleyball championships was ignited by a loss to Inman for third place in 2024.

The Eagles' volleyball skill required an additional boost.

Ellinwood volleyball coach Greg Maxwell knew the Eagles needed a championship mindset to go along with their talent.

"It goes back to that last loss," Maxwell said. "That was something that motivated them to a new, elite level. We talked about being elite. They've accomplished that every day."

The 2-year journey to consecutive titles was complete with a dominating 25-9, 25-14 victory over Rossville Saturday. The Eagles (47-0) have swept 94 consecutive matches, the nation's longest high school winning streak.

"We never thought about going undefeated until this year," said senior setter/hitter Alyvia Batchman. "We did it."

After winning the first state title, Batchman knew the work and focus that required.

"After winning state, we came into this feeling of no pressure," Batchman said. "That's helped us just play free, play strong and play our game. We knew what we had to do in practice to prepare."

Coach Maxwell sensed the Eagles' winning streak provided subtle pressure.

"But they never showed it was anything they were worried about," Maxwell said. "We got everyone's best shot. I'm proud of what Ellinwood volleyball means across the state.

"What I'm loving so much is the exposure these kids are getting," Maxwell said. "People are talking to them from across the state."

The Eagles' 94-match winning streak rank third all-time in Kansas behind Nemaha Valley coach Kimbrook Tennal (137) and Centralia coach Kim Tennal (126). Kimbrook Tennal won 11 state titles and Kim Tennal won eight state titles.

Ellinwood needs 43 victories to tie Nemaha Valley's state record.