McGuinness Wins Class 5A Volleyball State Title
The team finished a dominant tournament run by defeating Shawnee in straight sets on Saturday.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Volleyball
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McGuinness secured the Class 5A state volleyball championship after a sweep of the tournament bracket. The squad finished their successful season with an overall record of 28-8.
Why it matters
The victory cements the team's position as a top-ranked program in Oklahoma, achieving their goal of maintaining a No. 1 ranking throughout the season.
Arielle Yapi led the championship effort with 18 kills and six digs, while Maggie LoPorto contributed nine kills and three assists. Merritt Fuller added 15 assists and 12 digs to help the team capture its fourth school title and third championship since 2023.
The players
Arielle Yapi
She is a key player for the McGuinness volleyball team who delivered a standout performance in the championship match.
Maggie LoPorto
She serves as an integral member of the state championship squad, contributing multiple kills and digs in the final.
Merritt Fuller
She is a versatile athlete for the team who recorded double-digit assists and digs during the tournament.
The details
McGuinness navigated the state tournament at Noble High School without losing a single set. The team defeated Lawton MacArthur in the quarterfinals, Tulsa-Bishop Kelley in the semifinals, and Shawnee in the final match.
Timeline
Thursday, October 22, 2026: McGuinness defeated Lawton MacArthur.
Friday, October 23, 2026: The team defeated Tulsa-Bishop Kelley.
Saturday, October 24, 2026: McGuinness defeated Shawnee in the championship match.
Season Trajectory
The school has established a dominant run within the Class 5A volleyball state championship series over the last few years. This win reinforces their standing as a perennial powerhouse, marking their third title since 2023.
The championship victory confirms the team finishes the season with a 28-8 record after a perfect set-count run in the tournament. The performance of key players like Arielle Yapi and Merritt Fuller during the final matches underscores the depth of the current roster.
The takeaway
Maintaining a high ranking requires consistent performance throughout the entire season schedule. This championship demonstrates that winning the final match often relies on the ability to remain undefeated in sets during pressure-filled tournament play.
Further reading
For more information on the local high school sports landscape, visit Volleyball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Okcfriday.
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