KELLOGG – After falling short last season, the Kellogg Wildcats are headed back to the 3A state volleyball tournament — this time as one of the favorites. 

Last week, Hollie Yrjana’s squad capped off a stellar regular season by winning the 3A District 1-2 tournament, sweeping Priest River in three sets. 

Kellogg finished 23-1, with its only loss coming against Gonzaga Prep of Spokane. During their eight-match conference schedule, the Wildcats dropped just one set, including three wins over fourth-seeded Priest River. 

“This is such a special team,” Yrjana said. “They are all extremely dedicated, and they love the game.” 

When tournament seeding was announced Sunday, Kellogg earned the No. 2 seed behind top-seeded Ambrose, a position Yrjana said her team embraces. 

“I'm happy with our two seed for the tournament. Ambrose is a good team,” Yrjana said. “We start out with Firth (20-7) on Thursday. After watching some film, I think as long as we play our game and bring our intensity we will do well and go get some wins. Our team is ready for the challenge.”

Intensity has been a hallmark for Kellogg all season. The team is led by captains Dani Henrickson and Paige Yrjana, both named to the all-Central Idaho League team. They’re joined by three other all-league selections: freshman Gretah Angle, sophomore Ella Yrjana and junior Jordyn Stutzke. 

“Having five all-league players is pretty amazing, but honestly it could’ve easily been six or seven,” Yrjana said. “We have so many weapons on this team. It helps take the pressure off of just one or two players having to do it all or always having to perform their best. It's OK if someone has an off night — there are so many other options to go to.” 

Henrickson and Paige are the two main holdovers from Kellogg’s last state-qualifying team, which lost to Firth in the opening round in 2023. The duo has been foundational to the program and will once again be called on to lead. 

“It’s definitely a dynamic,” Paige said. “Dani is like the sun. She’s the hype man and she makes sure everyone is mentally present and confident. I believe I am more technical. I see the floor really well, I think I always have. I can give people advice on what they can fix really quick, and Dani will give you the pep talk.” 

Paige credits Henrickson, the team’s lone senior, as its emotional leader — a role she says has been vital to their success. 

“She really just loves everyone,” Paige said. “She makes it clear that she loves her teammates and wants them to love one another. She always has a positive attitude.” 

If Kellogg has a perceived weakness heading into the final weekend, it’s size. Despite not having a player taller than 5-foot-9, Paige, Ella Yrjana and Henrickson lead all 3A players in hitting percentage. Paige has 145 kills this season, while Henrickson leads the team in blocks. 

“What we lack in height, we make up in athleticism, speed and skill level as well as volleyball IQ,” Yrjana said. 

Serving has also been a strength for the Wildcats, who boast a 93% success rate, one of the “little things” Yrjana has emphasized all season. 

“We are excited for this next challenge,” Yrjana said. “We have really tried to just focus on one match at a time, but the big one has finally come, and we’re excited to see how far we can go.” 

Kellogg opens its quest for a 3A state championship Thursday night against Firth at 6 p.m. PDT at the Mountain America Center in Idaho Falls.