By DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

Goessel claimed the top spot in its class in last week’s Kansas Volleyball Association rankings, then backed it up by defeating fourth-ranked Olpe on its home court Saturday to win the Olpe tournament.

Goessel coasted through four matches to reach the final, beating Northern Heights 25-15, 25-9; Wabaunsee 25-14, 25-8; Bishop Seabury Academy 25-17, 25-13; and Madison 25-12, 25-12.

Goessel grabbed an early lead in the first game against Olpe and stayed ahead most of the match, winning 25-23. In the second set, the Eagles stormed to a 7-1 lead. The Bluebirds recovered and tied the game, and prevailed in another nail-biter, 25-23.

The Bluebirds, 20-0, slipped ahead of one-loss rival Centralia in the Class 1A Division 1 KVA rankings. The Bluebirds will travel Thursday to Wakefield to play Centre and Wakefield.