King’s Way Christian outlasted Elma in a back-and-forth fifth set to eliminate the Eagles, 22-25, 25-21, 23-25, 25-19, 16-14, from the District IV Class 1A Tournament on Nov. 4 at Castle Rock.

Elma needed two loser-out wins Saturday to earn its first-ever state berth. Instead, the Evergreen 1A League champion Eagles concluded the season with a 13-3 record.

Jalyn Sackrider led Elma hitters on Saturday with 16 kills, 20 digs and four blocks. Quin Mikel added nine kills and 31 digs.

Versatile Eagle setter Kenna Stoney contributed 28 assists, 20 digs, nine kills and three blocks, while Kali Rambo had seven kills and 25 digs.

The Eagles were without libero Ana Perez, who did not make the trip due to what head coach Kendra Henry described as a “personal choice.”

“It was hard with new girls playing in different spots. They definitely battled on every point,” Henry said.

It was a downbeat end to a landmark season in which the young Eagles captured their first league volleyball championship since the early 1970s.

“I can’t express how proud I am for the way they played this season,” Henry concluded. “Unbeaten league champions for the first time in 40 years, that’s pretty amazing.”