Manhattan ? Derby ended Free State High’s volleyball season with a 25-22, 24-26, 25-23 victory over the Firebirds on Saturday in a sub-state opener.

The Firebirds finished with a 13-23 record.

“We kind of did the same thing we’ve done all year,” Free State coach Nancy Hopkins said. “We dug a hole and tried to come back.”

The Firebirds trailed by seven points in the final set before making it close.

“I think they improved a lot throughout the season,” Hopkins said. “They continued to get better and better. I think they’re just on the verge of being really good.”