Firebirds win Topeka Seaman tournament

? Rachel Hickman and Naomi Hickman were both named to the all-tournament team as the Free State volleyball team went undefeated and took first place at the Topeka Seaman Invitational on Saturday.

The Firebirds didn’t drop a single set, and it marked the first time they won the tournament since 2012.

In pool play, Free State beat Highland Park (25-10, 25-10), Manhattan (25-20, 25-20), Shawnee Mission North (25-13, 25-8) and Topeka Seaman (25-19, 25-13).

Advancing to the winners bracket, Free State beat Manhattan (25-21, 25-23) and topped Silver Lake in the championship (25-19, 25-18).

Naomi Hickman, a Creighton commit, led the Firebirds with 32 kills and nine blocks, and Rachel Hickman, who committed to Kansas on Tuesday, had 30 kills and seven blocks.

Defensively, Erin Cushing recorded 50 digs and Cameryn Thomas had 35 digs. Mya Gleason led the team with 59 assists and nine aces while Payton Gannaway added 25 kills (a team-best nine kills in the championship).

Free State (17-4, ranked No. 6 in 6A) will play host to Olathe East and Olathe South at 5 p.m. Tuesday.