CEDAR RAPIDS – Tripoli has a rich volleyball tradition and came here as a four-time defending state champion.

But the Panthers weren’t the big favorite they have been in past years.

“Some people kind of doubted this, especially without (four-time all-stater) Megan (Gilbert),” said senior hitter Bailey Kirchhoff.

Tripoli won a couple of close games then rebounded after losing Game 3 to down top-ranked Grundy Center, 25-21, 25-22, 17-25, 25-18, for the Class 1A title.

Kirchhoff was the captain of the all-tournament team. She was joined by teammate Anderson, Hook and Meyers of Grundy Center, Brittney Hanson of Janesville and Mikaela Foecke of Holy Trinity.