Kelly Walsh Claims 4A East Volleyball Title to Seal Undefeated 34-0 Season
The Kelly Walsh Trojans secured the 4A East Regional Volleyball trophy in Laramie, Wyoming, sweeping their way through the tournament and capping a flawless season with a 34-0 record.
Head coach Jeff Barkell earned the Coach of the Year honor as the Trojans dominated the regional bracket. The team opened tournament play by defeating Cheyenne South in straight sets, winning 25-16, 25-13, and 25-16. In the regional semifinals, Kelly Walsh dispatched the Sheridan Broncs with another three-set sweep, securing 25-16, 25-13 and 25-21.
Championship Battle Against Thunder Basin
The championship match against Thunder Basin presented the Trojans with their biggest test of the tournament. Thunder Basin pushed the opening set to the limit, holding a 24-22 advantage before a Kelly Walsh timeout shifted the momentum. The Trojans rallied to win the frame 26-24.
The Kelly Walsh Trojans are the 4A East Volleyball Champions, continuing their undefeated season and heading to state with a 34-0 record!https://t.co/Dny2230GIz
That narrow escape fueled the team for the remainder of the match. Kelly Walsh did not trail for the rest of the contest, taking the second set 25-15 and sealing the regional title with a 25-17 win in the third set.
Senior outside hitter Lillian Hudson paced the offense with 12 kills in the final match, while sophomore Eisley Clark led the team with three blocks.
“It’s so exciting. We’ve been working hard for it all year, and it’s really exciting, and it’s a lot of our last [tournament], and so it just, it’s some special,” Hudson said.
Reflecting on the competitive opening set against Thunder Basin, Hudson noted that the big test in the first set gave the Trojans more energy heading into the rest of the match.
“Thunder Basin had great defense, and they were playing so well against us, and I think it fired us up and caused us to play a little harder the next two sets,” Hudson said.
Looking Ahead to the State Tournament
With the regional crown secured, the one seed from the East Trojans now advance to the 2026 State Volleyball Tournament in their hometown. Kelly Walsh is scheduled to open tournament play against Star Valley on Nov. 5 at 6 p.m.
