Impressive Warner wins 90 straight sets en route to state title

WARNER — The Warner High School volleyball team claimed the Class B state championship on Saturday, but more impressive than that is the manner in which it did it.

The Monarchs, who finished the season 34-0, did not drop a set the entire season. In fact, they won 90 sets in a row.

“Our goal at the beginning was to win a state title, and we did it by staying focused on our goal,” said Warner head coach Kari Jung.

On the way to the title, Warner did away with its competition in the state tournament like a child does with its vegetables — toy with it then toss it in the trash.

First there was Timber Lake, a good yet small group, who fell at the hands of the Monarchs 3-0. In two of those sets, the Panthers didn’t crack double digits.

Next, Warner set its sights on James Valley Christian, who put together a strong effort but was still no match for the Monarchs’ incredible size.

Finally, there was Arlington, a team that Warner had previously beaten this year, but they were riding a wave of confidence after upsetting No. 1-seeded Parker. The match was no problem for the Monarchs as they did what they had done up until that point, which is dominate with yet another 3-0.

“They are an extremely great team, and with the height they have all over the court, it was obviously a tough game,” Arlington head coach Anita Boeck said.

The regular season was no different from the state tournament for the Monarchs, who were rarely in jeopardy of dropping and a set.

“We just had the whole package this year,” said Jung, whose team only allowed one opponent all season to break the 20-point mark. “We were very fortunate to have size, quickness and good leadership. Things just fell into place.”

State championships and team success is not uncommon for Warner as it has won three state titles and finished as runners-up twice. What is uncommon is the dominating manner in which it was done.

“I have just never heard of it before,” Boeck said. “To be able to do what they did is remarkable and is something that just doesn’t happen.”

Tags: sports, updates, warner, volleyball