Fall Sports • Game Report

Golden Plains Volleyball Update

November 5, 2026

1000 Digs!!! Golden Plains junior Brenlynn Rath reached the 1000 dig milestone at the Sub-State Volleyball tournament in Ransom on October 24. Rath also has over 800 kills so far in her high school volleyball career. She is show with her teammates following the sub-state game against Wallace County. “This is a huge accomplishment that I was working for,” said Rath. “I didn’t realize I could accomplish it as a junior. The team was so supportive—I have awesome teammates! My goal is to get stronger in the weight room over the summer and continue to work as a team next year.” (Photo by Terra Rath)

Lady Bulldogs Named to All-League Teams

by Judy Rogers

Golden Plains High School had three girls named to the Western Kansas Liberty League All-League Volleyball team as selected by the league coaches. Brenlynn Rath, Lakin Wark, and Kadalen Unrein were all named.

Junior Brenlynn Rath was named to the first team. She was named first team last year as a sophomore and first team her freshman year. Rath finished the season with 30 ACE serves, 319 kills, 21 assists, 19 total blocks, and 369 digs. She earned her 1000th career dig at the sub-state game. “It’s definitely an honor to be recognized by the league coaches,” said Rath. “I appreciate the support of my teammates and coaches and hope to be able to contribute to our team’s success again next season.”

Junior Lakin Wark was named to the second team. She was also named to the WKLL second team her freshman and sophomore years. She finished the season with 59 ACE serves, 191 kills, 351 assists, 254 digs, and 4 total blocks. “I’m grateful that I got selected as all-league for the third years in a row!” said Wark. “Every player played a part on each stat. It means a lot to me that the league noticed me. I’m excited for next season to see where it goes.”

Senior Kadalen Unrein was also named to the second team. She received honorable mention last year. She delivered 16 ACE serves, 151 kills, 257 assists, 224 digs, and 44 total blocks for the Lady Bulldogs this year. “It was a big achievement moving up from honorable mention last year,” said Unrein. “This new position as setter this year helped me feel more accomplished.”

Lady Bulldogs Finish Season at Sub-State

by Elizabeth Romero

The Golden Plains High School Volleyball team finished their season at Sub-State in Ransom on October 24. The girls finished with a 23016 season record. This is their third consecutive year with 20+ wins. Team members include: front—Katie Carter, Makynslee Vargas, Brenlynn Rath, Estella Vargas, Elizabeth Romero, back—Coach Ashley Arnberger, Kadalen Unrein, Jade Dible, Molly Ritter, Lakin Wark, Coach Sidney Taylor. (photo by Terra Rath)

The Golden Plains Bulldogs Volleyball team finished their season at the Sub-State Tournament in Ransom on October 24. They faced Wallace County in the semi-finals but fell to the Wildcats in two sets

The Bulldogs started strong, staying with the Wildcats throughout the beginning of the first set. As the game progressed, the Bulldogs continued to fight but lost the first set 18-25. The Bulldogs just couldn’t get the ball rolling in the second set and allowed the Wildcats to start with a 3-point lead. The Bulldogs then found their fire once again, but it just wasn’t enough as the Wildcats kept their lead to win the game and the match 25-13.

The Lady Bulldogs finished their season with a 23-16 record. This was their third consecutive twenty—plus win season for the Bulldogs.

“The season was full of ups and downs,” said senior Katie Carter. “We had a lot of good people on the team this year. I’m going to miss my teammates.” “I have mixed feelings about the season,” added senior Kadalen Unrein. “We could have gone further but lacked the effort needed. Volleyball has impacted me a lot in both the sport and in life. The people will always be my memories of my four years at GPHS.” “We had a rough start to the season,” continued senior Estella Vargas, “We came together as a team but lost momentum as the season came to a close. I wish them all luck next year.”

MS Girls Win One at League

by Judy Rogers

Golden Plains eighth grader Brookelynn Vahling serves the ball at the WKLL tournament in Logan on October 22. The Lady Bulldogs finished their season with a 3-10 record. (photo courtesy GPMS)

The Golden Plains Middle School volleyball team won one match at the WKLL Tournament in Logan on October 22. The girls lost to Northern Valley, Grinnell/Wheatland, and Cheylin claiming their one win over Palco.

The first match was against the Northern Valley Huskies. The Huskies won in two sets 17-25, 13-25. The second game was against the Grinnell/Wheatland Thunderhawks. This was another close match with the Hawks winning the first set 25-18. The Dogs fought more closely in the second set, but the Hawks won the match 25-22.

The third game for the Dogs was against the Palco Roosters. The Bulldogs continued their momentum from the Grinnell game and claimed the first set win 25-18. They stayed together to claim the second set and the match 25-14.

The final match of the day was against the Cheylin Cougars. Both teams gave it their all with the Cougars winning the first set 25-23. The Dogs rallied and won the second set 25-23. The Cougars held on to win the third set and the match 15-8.

The Lady Bulldogs finished their season with 3 wins and 10 losses. “We definitely improved by the tournament,” said Brookelynn Vahling, 8th grade. “If we had played all year like we did in the tournament, we would have won more games.” “We got better on our serves,” added Emma Zeisler, 8th grade. “It takes a lot of practice. We still need to do better at getting passes to the setter.” “We need to communicate more and work on our speed and flexibility,” continued Isabel Bieker, 8th grade. “We need to be ready and stay focused. I am looking forward to playing next year in high school.” “I’m excited to play in high school,” added Vahling. “We hope to have enough girls to be able to play some JV matches.”

Advertise