Three Lawrence volleyball players helped the Topeka Impact club volleyball team win the U-16 Presidents Day Classic Feb. 19 in Omaha, Neb.

More than 50 teams from all over the country participated and showcased their talents to coaches and college scouts.

The nine-member team consisted of six players from Topeka, and Free State High sophomores Taylor Manning and Sierra Dickson, along with Seabury Academy sophomore Melissa Burch.

The three Lawrence players have played important roles on the team this season and in the tournament. Manning, a middle blocker, was injured in a match last Sunday. Without Manning, the Impact had to adjust its lineup and players had to play out of position. Burch usually played right side hitter, but had to move to the left because of Manning’s injury.

The lineup juggling affected the team’s play, and the Impact suffered its only defeat of the tournament against the Norco (Northern Colorado.)

But the Impact recovered from the loss and wound up playing the Norco again in the finals.

“I had never been in a championship game before,” Burch said. “It was very exciting.”

For the championship game, Manning returned and helped lead the Impact to victory. Dickson, who sprained an ankle a few weeks earlier, said playing in a club volleyball league differs greatly than from high school because of the increased talent level on each team. And she said playing with and against such talented players has improved her game.

“Just playing with them has made me so much better,” she said.

The Impact improves their game with practices twice a week at Washburn University under the direction of coach Mark Evans.

“He’s a tough coach,” Burch said. “He knows we all can do well. He has high expectations.”

Like her coach, Dickson has set some lofty goals that she hoped to achieve in the future, including playing college volleyball. But for now, her main goal was to help her high school and club teams do well.

“I want Free State to win state and to make it to nationals,” she said.

Dickson also said that her success could not have come without the help of Manning and Burch.

“They’re both so supportive,” Dickson said. “They help me figure out what I need to work on, and I do the same for them.”

Burch said that while playing at a smaller school has some disadvantages, she has had a great time playing for the Impact and hopes to do it again next year.

“I love the team,” Burch said. “And I hope I get invited back.”