Helias Crusaders volleyball crowned state champs for first time in eight years

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KMIZ)

The 2025 high school volleyball season concluded today with the Class 1 and 3 state championships. Helias and Mount Vernon squared off for the C3 title today at Civic Arena in St. Joseph, with the Lady Crusaders sweeping the title match, 3-0. Head coach David Harris' squad last won gold in 2017.

Set one opened with Helias storming out to an 8-3 lead, and only applied more pressure from there. They proceeded to go on a 12-2 run, thanks to seven kills from four different girls. The Crusaders managed to cruise to a first frame victory 25-12.

Mount Vernon put up a tough fight in set two, never trailing by more than five points. With the game tied at 18, Helias senior Kambell Winegar picked up four kills in the 'Saders last seven points to secure a victory in the second period, and jump to a two-nothing match lead.

With a state title on the line, Helias showed no fear, jumping to a 14-5 lead in the third set. Junior Emma Hulsey picked up four kills of her own in set three, including the championship winner to give the Crusaders gold for the first time in eight years.

Kambell Winegar ended the match leading the team in kills at 10, with Hulsey just behind her at eight.

This was the third time in school history that Helias won the state tournament, all coming within the last 11 years under Harris' leadership.