Their seasons ended at sub-state in the same gymnasium in Olathe.

A month later, the similarities continue, as the Lawrence High and Free State High volleyball teams both landed several players on the all-Sunflower League volleyball squad for the 2007 season.

Free State, which finished 21-15 on the season and lost one match short of reaching the state tournament, saw seven players – in a sport with six starters – earn all-league awards. FSHS had three first-teamers, three second-teamers and one player who received honorable mention.

Seniors Brooke Carter and Melanie Chaussee earned first-team honors for their play at the net. Both were among the team leaders in kills and blocks, and together they formed an explosive offensive and defensive threat throughout the season. They were joined on the first team by junior Taylor Manning, one of the team’s best all-around players.

Senior setter Kelsey Allen, senior libero Alyx Glover and sophomore Chantay Caron each earned second-team honors, and junior Danielle Augustine, Free State’s top hitter in a handful of matches this season, earned honorable mention.

“It’s pretty awesome having seven out of our 10 varsity girls on the all-league team,” Free State coach Nancy Hopkins said. “I think that just shows that we were a pretty well-rounded team, and we were loaded with weapons.”

Although the Firebirds fell short of their desired goal to reach state, the 2007 season delivered more than just all-league honors. Glover ended her Free State career as the owner of four school records, two single-season and two career marks. She recorded more digs (425) and more serve receives (548) in a single season than any player in Free State history. She owns the career record in both categories, as well, finishing with 745 career digs and 953 career serve receives.

Carter also leaves the Firebirds with a school record in hand, as her play at the net in 2007 propelled her to the career-blocks record. Carter stuffed opponents 533 times in her three-year career.

LHS, which finished the season 13-24, had five girls earn recognition on the all-league team. Junior Tayler Tolefree, who led the Lions in blocks and was among the team leaders in kills, was named to the first team. Seniors Rachel Van Horn and Lindsey Murray earned second-team nods. Seniors Kate Melton and Emily Bracciano received honorable mention.

For first-year coach Stephanie Magnuson, seeing five of her girls receive league recognition was one of the highlights of the season.

“I think it’s great that the league coaches recognized those girls,” Magnuson said. “It shows that even though we didn’t have the greatest record, we did have some girls who were worthy of representing the league.”