LINCOLN, NE - The Leyton volleyball team made history Friday morning, securing a spot in the Nebraska School Activities Association Class D2 state championship for the first time in school history, with a thrilling four-set victory over Central Valley.

The Warriors triumphed with scores of 25-22, 26-24, 20-25, and 25-19 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, marking the school's third win ever at the state tournament and preserving their 35-0 record this season.

Leyton’s offensive attack was led by senior Shawnee Gamble and Sydney Fortune, each contributing 10 kills. Senior Riley Jones added nine kills and two blocks, while senior Ella Haley tallied eight kills. Senior Kaydence Haupt chipped in two ace serves.

Altogether, Leyton totaled 57 kills, three ace serves, and two blocks.

On the other side of the net, the Cougars were led by sophomore Cayle Grossart, who posted a match-high 17 kills and an ace serve. Freshman Bentleigh Dugan finished with 11 kills and four aces. Central Valley ended the match with 42 kills, 12 ace serves, and a block. Their season now stands at 28-7 as they prepare to compete for third place vs. the defending Class D2 state champions Overton at 10 a.m. MST Saturday at Lincoln North Star. 

Leyton will face Shelton in the championship game on Saturday morning at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln. The Warriors' previous best performance at the state level came in 2008, when they finished in fourth-place in Class D1.

Shelton swept Overton, 3-0, in the other semifinal Friday morning. 

First serve for the championship match is scheduled at 8 a.m. MST. News Channel Nebraska will carry the match live on radio station 987 The Big Boy (98.7 FM, thebigboy987.com or the free News Channel Nebraska app).