TOPEKA | Wheeler's players knew they were going to have their hands full in the Class 2A Westview Regional semifinals Saturday afternoon.

Their opponent, Fairfield, was gunning for its fourth straight regional title and boasted a team full of powerful hitters.

And the Falcons dispatched the Bearcats in straight sets 25-14, 25-9, 25-14 to earn a date with Central Noble in the championship.

"Obviously, we were outmatched," Wheeler coach Mike Stojic said. "(Fairfield is) a very good volleyball team."

Wheeler senior Brittany Stelter, who played with a slight ACL tear on Saturday, said the Bearcats (28-9) knew the quality of their opposition.

"We were very tense," she said. "I just told everyone to relax out there and have fun, and if the season ended in the semifinals we needed to end with smiles and know that we tried our hardest."

Stelter suffered the knee injury last week in the sectional championship game against River Forest. It was a recurrence of a tear she suffered during her junior season. But she said she was determined to play against Fairfield (30-4).

"It was very important," she said. "I didn't want to end my senior year not playing in this game."

Stelter was 11-of-11 hitting with three kills in the match. The Bearcats also received a solid effort from freshman Shannon Doyle, who was 29-of-29 setting with seven assists.

The Falcons were led by sophomore Haley Bechtel, who finished with 11 kills and eight digs. Freshman Riley Troyer was also solid for Fairfield with 35 assists and four aces.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Class 2A Westview Regional

Semifinals

Fairfield 25-25-25, Wheeler 14-9-14

Bearcats freshman Shannon Doyle was 29-of-29 setting with seven assists.