11/13/19
Below is coverage of the State Football Tournaments from the 1st round to the Championships.
3A STATE TOURNAMENT (BRACKET LINK)
Saturday, 11/23
Semi-Finals 1pm
Court 1: Mt Spokane vs Kelso
Court 3: Capital vs Roosevelt
Consolation Bracket (Winner to Trophy Round, Loser Out) 9AM
Court 1: Seattle Prep vs Eastside Catholic
Court 2: Interlake vs Central Kitsap
Court 4: Arlington vs Snohomish
Court 5: Lakeside (Sea) vs Ferndale
Friday, 11/22
2nd Round Quarterfinals (Winner’s Bracket) 5:15
Court 1: Mt Spokane 3, Arlington 0
Court 2: Kelso 3, Snohomish 1
Court 4: Lakeside vs Capital 3, Lakeside (Sea) 0
Court 5: Roosevelt 3, Ferndale 1
2nd Round (Consolation Bracket, Loser Out) 3:15
Court 1: Seattle Prep 3, Peninsula 2
Court 2: Eastside Catholic 3, Gig Harbor 1
Court 4: Interlake 3, Kennewick 0
Court 5: Central Kitsap 3, Stadium 2
1st Round Games
8AM
Court 1: Arlington 3, Peninsula 1
Court 2: Mt Spokane 3, Seattle Prep 0
Court 4: Snohomish 3, Gig Harbor 2
Court 5: Kelso 3, Eastside Catholic 2
9:45AM
Court 1: Lakeside (Seattle) 3, Kennewick 0
Court 2: Capital 3, Interlake 0
Court 4: Roosevelt 3, Central Kitsap 0
Court 5: Ferndale 3, Stadium 1
4A STATE TOURNAMENT (BRACKET LINK)
Friday, 11/22
2nd Round Quarterfinals (Winner’s Bracket) 8:15pm
Court 1: Curtis vs Lake Stevens
Court 2: Emerald Ridge vs Auburn-Riverside
Court 4: Tahoma vs Puyallup
Court 5: North Creek vs Graham-Kapowsin
2nd Round (Consolation Bracket, Loser Out) 6:45pm
Court 1: Wenatchee vs Camas
Court 2: Eastlake vs Mead
Court 4: Issaquah vs West Valley (Yak)
Court 5: Richland vs Skyview
1st Round Games
11:45AM
Court 1: Curtis 3, Wenatchee 0
Court 2: Lake Stevens 3, Camas 0
Court 4: Emerald Ridge 3, Eastlake 0
Court 5: Auburn-Riverside 3, Mead 1
1:30PM
Court 1: Tahoma 3, Issaquah 1
Court 2: Puyallup 3, West Valley (Yak) 0
Court 4: North Creek 3, Richland 2
Court 5: Graham-Kapowsin 3, Skyview 0
1B STATE TOURNAMENT (BRACKET LINK)
State Championship Match Pomeroy 3, Oakesdale 2 (25-21, 25-22, 22-25, 20-25, 16-14)
The 4-time defending Champions Oakesdale Nighthawks met their match in the Pomeroy Pirates on Friday night in the Yakima SunDome. The defending champs had cruised into the finals with an unscathed 9-0 record while outscoring their opponents 225-113 or an average win of 25-12.
Their opponents the Pirates had to grind away to get into the Finals especially in the Semi-Finals. Pomeroy had played 11 games compared to the Hawks 9 and scored 263 to 207 or an average of 24-19. These numbers were inflated thanks to a 34-32 first set game against Almira-Coulee-Hartline of the Semi’s, and a set they lost!
So even if the Pirates were the strongest competition Oakesdale would face they certainly would be tired, right? That answer actually may have been both yes and no. Pomeroy with their 6 seniors came out fired up and matched Oakesdale point for point in both of the first 2 sets except toward the end of each set. It was the difference in the match as it played out because in both sets Pomeroy was able to go on a late run and separate themselves for Oakesdale and found themselves up 2-0.
It appeared the Pirates may be doing the same thing in set 3 and was this really going to be a 3-game sweep of the 4-time defending Champs? The key time frame in set 3 was Pomeroy up 20-17 but then Oakesdale’s Lizzy Perry then reeled-0ff 6 or 7 points and it looked like the Bucs may have hit the wall. The huge momentum swing carried on into the 4th set where at one point from that 20-17 lead the Pirates were outscored 20-6 and they looked tired and frankly finished.
Then Pomeroy dug down and started to come back in that 4th set to lose it by 5 and a race to 15 would be the decider in the 5th and final set. History repeated itself…almost as they built a 12-4 lead and looked like they would cruise in the 5th and de-throne the Champs. Heidi Heytvelt, Sydney Watko, Alyssa Wolf, Maddy Dixon, Jaden and Teagen Steele, 5 of the 6 Seniors, were dominating until Lizzy Perry stepped to the line. Lizzy again brought the Nighthawks back with her fellow senior Lauryn Rawls and stellar play from the many underclassmen, LouEllen Reed, Jessie Reed even 8th grader Payton Davis.
Oakesdale was moving fast and looked like they would run right by the Pirates to claim their 5th straight title and in fact would take a 14-13 lead to set up a match point. On that serve after another great dig from Pomeroy’s Libero Alyssa Wolf, Sydney Watko knocked a little runner into the middle of the defense that the Hawks could not handle and it was tied 14-14. Wolf then came to the serving line and fired it across in which the two teams would volley for literally 35-seconds, guessing a regular volley is about 10-seconds and Oakesdale hit a return shot into the net. Wolf then served match point and the Pirates only had to watch the return shot fall out of bounds on the sideline and a new Champion was crowned.
Pomeroy finished the year 19-2 but more importantly 4-0 in the SunDome to win the school’s 4th state title and 1st since 2014 just before Oakesdale started their run. In fact 2 of the Titles the Nighthawks have came from defeating Pomeroy. Oakesdale will be returning everyone but Perry and Lauryn Rawls while finishing the season 17-3.
Pomeroy’s final 2 points to clinch the Title
3rd Place Game A-C-H 3, Odessa 0
The Warriors wasted little time in streaking past Odessa, a team that looked very tired by the end of the day. A-C-H will no doubt re-live that semi-final loss to Pomeroy and wonder what if? But the Warriors finished 20-2 overall and added a very respectable 3rd place trophy to their collection. Odessa was the scrappy bunch of the Tourney finishing with a 19-6 record overall. The Tigers gave everyone a run for their money and should be proud of their top 4 finish.
5th Place Game Mount Vernon Christian 3, Wilson Creek 0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-17)
Losing in the quarterfinals and knowing a win there guarantees you a trophy can be hard to bounce back from and both of these teams came back to win their morning match on day 2 to get in the top 6. Mount Vernon Christian just seemed to be a little ahead of the Devils to pick up the sweep. The Hurricanes finished the season 18-6-1 and this is the 5th Volleyball trophy headed for the MVC trophy case. Wilson Creek ended up 13-8 and this is their 1st trophy since 2009.
7th Place Game Firm Foundation 3, Providence Classical 0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-20)
When you get to these undercard placing matches the wear and tear of the tournament has worn on many of the teams and it’s usually who can jump out to an early lead that has a great chance of carrying it through for the win. But this placing is even more difficult to finish strong because you have been playing for your tournament lives from the beginning. There is only one way to win the 7th or 8th place trophies and that is to lose your opening match. The 7th place finisher ends up with a better record than the 4th and 6th place trophy winners but its where you lose that sets you on your path.
The Firm Foundation lost a heartbreaker 3-2 in the opening round then clicked off 3 straight wins for the 7th place trophy. They would finish 21-2, the best overall record than anyone but that opening round loss doomed them to the 7th place match. this is their 1st trophy since 2009 where they also finished 7th. Providence Classical battled hard to get to this match but looked like it took a lot out of them and settled for 8th. They finished 19-6 overall and this is their first ever State placing trophy in Volleyball.
Friday, Semi-Finals
Oakesdale 3, Odessa 0 (25-19, 25-12, 25-16)
The Nighthawks had their sights set on one thing from the end of last years State Tournament where they held up the Big Trophy for the 4th consecutive year and that was to get back and do it again. After the Tigers gave them a run in the first set the Hawks overwhelmed the Tigers as they cruised to their 9th straight win in the Sundome and 19th straight since they began their run in 2015.
Odessa battled hard but will have to settle for the 3rd or 4th place trophy where they will meet Alimira-Coulee-Hartline. Pomeroy is next at trying to knock off the King of the Hill.
Pomeroy 3, A-C-H 2 (32-34, 25-19, 25-15, 14-25, 15-11)
We have seen many times in this tournament how an overtime loss in the first set can be a death nail. It seems to suck the energy out of the team who comes up short. Most of the time it’s a 26-24 or 27-25 score so what were we to think when Pomeroy lost a 34-32 OT 1st set to powerful A-C-H? Well how about good try and we’ll see you in the 3rd place match.
The Pirates had other plans, the senior dominated team was not about to go home without a shot at the big trophy, a trophy they won 5 years ago just prior to Oakesdale current 4 year run. In fact they have lost twice to the Hawks during their 4-year hiatus from the top of the trophy stand and no doubt revenge is on their mind.
However, the question will be did this 5 set marathon semi-final take too much out of the Pirates to mount a serious run at the Champs? We won’t have to wait long to find out. Meantime, A-C-H will lick their wounds in the 3rd place match with Odessa. No doubt the Warriors were looking forward to their shot at Oakesdale and maybe they looked to soon and forgot to finish off Pomeroy.
Consolation Bracket (Loser Out)
Providence Classical 3, Three Rivers Christian (22-25, 25-21, 25-23, 23-25, 15-9)
This was a great match with two teams not ready to go home but the Highlanders made one final run in the 5th set scoring the final 6 to win the match. Claire Lyshol and Paige Johnson had great performances in this one for P-C while the Eagles’ Lily Richards and Chantelle Isaacson were solid in their effort.
Firm Foundation 3, Naselle 1 (25-15, 25-22, 21-25, 25-21)
The Eagles fought off a furious comeback by the Comets and will advance to the trophy round.Elsa and Abbie Helmes with Katie Kogler and Lizzy Willett led the Foundation. Naselle’s gutty effort was led by Jackie Steenerson, Brynn and Kylee Tarabochia. The Eagles now play in the 7th place match against Providence Classical.
Mt Vernon Christian 3, Pateros 1 (24-26, 25-15, 25-21, 25-20)
The Hurricanes were stirred up after dropping an OT set in the first and came roaring back winning 3 in a row eliminating the Nannies.
Wilson Creek 3, Puget Sound Adventist 2 (21-25, 25-21, 25-16, 25-23, 15-11)
The Devils just would not let the Sharks pull this one out. Wilson Creek has now play 13 sets in 3 matches and finds themselves in the trophy round.
Thursday 1st Round Games
Mt Vernon Christian 3, Klickitat/Glenwood 0 (25-10, 25-18, 26-24)
The Mount Vernon Christian Hurricanes wasted little time in taking control with 2 decisive wins over Klick-Wood with 2 clear wins. K-W then would not go quietly as they built a lead in the 3rd set but could not resist the Canes and fell in 3 sets. The Canes will next get the 4 time defending Champs Oakesdale in the quarterfinals. Avery Yates and senior Sophia Wood led the Hurricanes with strong play in the tournament opening match.
Oakesdale 3, Providence Classical Christian 0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-9)
The Nighthawks came in with a huge target on their backs as the 4 time defending State Champs and they quickly set the tone that they are not willing to give up the big trophy without a fight. Oakesdale won the first match of the Tournament sweeping Providence Classical including a powerful 25-9 3rd set match clinching win. The scary thing about Oakesdale is they only have 2 seniors, Lizzy Perry and Lauryn Rawls, and both were solid in the opener. Up next Mount Vernon Christian in the quarterfinals.
Pateros 3, Neah Bay 2 (26-24, 25-21, 17-25, 24-26, 15-13)
The Nannies and the Red Devils made a push for the match of the tournament in the opener as they went 5 sets with 2 sets going into overtime. The Nannies pulled out this back and forth win to advance to the quarterfinals. Pateros’ Vanessa Ceniceros and Jillian Piechalski led the team with strong play. The comeback for Bay was led by Grace Buzzell and Nalani Ellis but they fell just short. Pateros will face Odessa in the quarters and Neah Bay has a loser out match against Three Rivers Christian.
Odessa 3, Three Rivers Christian 2 (25-15, 25-19, 17-25, 24-26, 15-7)
The Tigers have 5 State Titles in their trophy case and finished 4th last year and fired out to a 2-0 lead over the Eagles. Three Rivers then woke up and made a run including a critical 26-24 4th set win. The Tigers then settled and re-focused thanks to a big run at the service line from Caitlyn Schuh for a 5th set match win. McKennah Davison and Maddy Wagner played well at the net for Odessa. For the Eagles, Zowie Carmody and Keira Davis were solid.
Almira-Coulee-Hartline 3, Shoreline Christian 0 (25-21, 25-17, 25-23)
A-C-H looks like they rolled to an easy win but Shoreline Christian put up a pretty good battle. After falling behind early in the 3rd set the Warriors came back strong led by Maddie Murray’s net work and supported well by Makenna Oliver and Mimi Isaak to overtake the Chargers. For Shoreline putting in great efforts were Kate Astion and Ava DeKoekkoek. A-C-H now advances to the quarterfinals while the Charges face a loser out match later Thursday afternoon.
Puget Sound Adventist 3, Firm Foundation 2 (19-25, 25-20, 25-21, 20-25, 15-13)
It was a battle between the Sharks and Eagles and yet Fonzie was no where to be seen! ayyyy But seriously these to did go at it like an old fashioned rumble with the Eagles taking the first match behind the strong work of Anna Huntsinger and Hannah Matson. But the Sharks were just waking up an rolled to two straight wins before the Eagles counter punched to force a 5th set. Alex Wiedemann and Maddie Stuart with a solid effort from the entire roster held off the comeback win of the Eagles and this Shark attack held up to push them into the quarterfinals.
Pomeroy 3, Naselle 0 (25-21, 25-17, 27-25) (Corrected)
Pomeroy was a straight set winner in the first round but the Naselle Comets would not go easy especially in the 3rd set where they pushed it to overtime before succumbing. The Pirates were well rounded in this win with big efforts from Sydney abd McKenzie Watko and Jaden Steele. The Comets battled with solid games from Courtney Paul and Emma Columbo. The Pirates now move on to the quarters while the Comets are in a must win showdown.
Wilson Creek 3, Grace Academy 2 (25-12, 15-25, 25-19, 15-25, 15-11)
This was a crazy match and after the Devils easy opening win everyone thought oh this is where we make up time to get back on schedule but instead Grace Academy decided they weren’t ready to get run out of the SunDome. The Eagles bounced back against the Devils and forced a 5th set where Wilson Creek had enough left in the tank to deny G-A the win and advance to the quarterfinals. A pair of Abby’s led the Creek with Abby True and Abby Hinen coming through for the winners. Karis Jones and Cora Turner were key in pushing this match to five sets for the Eagles. G-A has a loser out contest later Thursday afternoon.
2nd Round Quarterfinals (Winner’s Bracket)
Oakesdale 3, Mt Vernon Christian 0 (25-14, 25-10,25-15)
The 4-time defending Champs were throwin’ down and sending a message the trophy will have to be pried out of their hands if anyone thins they are ready to let a major piece of their trophy case be taken away any time soon. The Nighthawks were relentless and knocked the wind out of the Hurricanes to advance to the Semi-Finals. Lizzy Perry and Lauryn Rawls showed their Senior leadership as the only 2 seniors on the team not only scaring the current tournament participants but for years to come. Oakesdale plays Odessa in the Semi’s Friday morning. Meantime, the Canes can bounce back and will have their chance first thing in the morning at 8am in a loser out contest.
Odessa 3, Pateros 0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-21)
Odessa survived Three Rivers in the opener and then cruised to a straight sets win in the quarters and they will get the first crack at knocking off the 4-time defending Champions Oakesdale in the Semi-finals. It will certainly be a challenge for the Tigers and they woould like to see the same effort they had against the Nannies tomorrow morning. We would like to have pointed out some players for Odessa but few of their jersey numbers matched their roster so we aren’t sure who actually did what in the match. Pateros will play in a loser out tomorrow and can still finish as high as 5th place.
A-C-H 3, Puget Sound Adventist 0 (25-14, 25-15, 25-13)
The Warriors were in control in all three sets vs the Sharks and sent them swimming on their way to the consolation bracket. A-C-H may have their sights set on the Nighthawks but first they will have to get past Pomeroy in the Semi’s. If they do no doubt they will have to rely on the continued top play of Kendel Correia the senior Libero and her leadership. Puget Sound can take some solace in that they got beat by a truly great team and gave their all but fell short. The Sharks can still take home a trophy but must come out with a win in the morning session on Friday.
Pomeroy 3, Wilson Creek 0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-12)
The Pirates simply got stronger as the match got longer and they ended it with an impressive run by Senior Maddy Dixon. Dixon came up with a booming kill shot in the 3rd set while trailing 5-3. She then stepped to the service line and when she finished the Bucs were leading 13-6 and the set and match were over. Kendall Dixon also had a solid outing for Pomeroy and now they must get set to take on powerful A-C-H in the Semi-finals. Wilson Creek got another good start from Abby True but were far short in this one. The Devils move on to Friday in a loser out contest but with a win can still grab the 5th place trophy.
2nd Round (Consolation Bracket, Loser Out)
Providence Classical 3, Klickitat-Glenwood 0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-11)
Providence Classical stayed alive with a solid win over Klick-Wood to end their season. The Highlanders can still finish as high as 7th place.
Three Rivers Christian 3, Neah Bay 1 (26-24, 25-18, 22-25, 25-21)
After dropping a heartbreaker to Odessa, the Eagles bounced back with a solid win over an unlucky Neah Bay team. Three Rivers is still in the run for 7th place while the Red Devils just fell short in their opener against Pateros which could have gone either way and then ran into a hot Three Rivers team to have their season come to an end on day 1 of the tournament.
Firm Foundation 3, Shoreline Christian 0 (25-18, 25-17, 26-24)
The Firm Foundation was another unlucky loser in the 1st round dropping 3-2 but bounced finally dispatching the pesky Chargers. The Eagles now play Friday morning in a loser out contest while Shoreline is headed home.
Naselle 3, Grace Academy 1 (25-27, 25-16, 25-23, 25-19)
The Comets battled with Pomeroy but weren’t quite there with the Pirates in their opener. They made up for it in the loser out game on Thursday evening advancing to the 2nd day with their win over Grace Academy. The G-A Eagles had their season come to an end.
2B STATE TOURNAMENT (BRACKET LINK)
State Championship Match La Conner 3, NW Christian (Colbert) (25-19, 25-15, 25-22)
There is really only one question left after watching this destruction machine plow through the 2B regular season, districts and State Tournament and that is who is actually 2nd best? It looks like Mossyrock who handed the Braves only their 2nd set loss of the season, they were an incredible 60-2 in sets and 20-0 in record. Only Nooksack Valley and the Vikings can say they won a set against the Braves in 2019.
La Conner was ready and simply did not play around in the finals after dropping that set in the Semi’s and the outcome was really never in doubt. NWC (Colbert) fought hard and didn’t hand over the big trophy by any means but they were simply outmatched. NWC would finish 18-3 and take the 2nd place trophy home. It is their 2nd 2nd place trophy matching their best finish in school history.
Shailin Haffner, Skyla Tunison and Nadia Clark will all graduate with quite an accomplishment they can remember forever. The Crusaders also have the base for a solid team to come back and try again next year with Nia Tunison, Makenzie Nelson, Chiara Carey, Abby Veenstra, Eden Clemmer and Madi Zorn all coming back.
But this was the Braves year end of story. La Conner was the defending Champion beating Mossyrock last year ironically by the same score they beat the Vikings in this year’s Semi-finals, 3-1. They also had trophied 6 years in a row. The road to ruin was led by one of two seniors Morgan Herrera who would regularly simply obliterate the ball. She is passing on her technique to a Freshman, Ellie Marble to everyone’s chagrin as Ellie delivered some devastating blows herself.
The one criticism if you want to call it that, more of an observation, but sometimes it appeared the Braves relied or fell in love with their power when every now and then a change of pace shot would be ok. It appeared head coach Suzanne Marble may have reminded her fairly young squad every now and then to lay off a bit and find the open spot on the floor and that it was not necessary to put a divot in the floor of the SunDome on every shot.
La Conner had a great team effort in this run and could not have done it without the day in and day work of Rachel Cram, Justine and Joanie Benson. Joanie was the only Senior on the team with Herrera. The Braves now have two in a row and likely those coming back already are planning their trip to Yakima in 2020.
The Braves final 2 points to clinch the Title
3rd Place Game Mossyrock 3, Tri Cities Prep 0 (28-26, 25-19, 25-18)
The Vikings took home 2nd last year and settled for 3rd this year after losing to the same La Conner team in Yakima in back to back seasons. The only difference is when they lost and they probably think they are the 2nd best team despite getting the 3rd place trophy. Afterall, they are the only ones in the tournament to win a set against the Braves. The match of the tournament very well could have been an NWC vs Mossy contest but we will never know as the Crusaders and Vikings would not face off. Mossyrock would finish 19-2 on the year and add their 6th volleyball trophy to their collection. Oddly enough the 3rd place finish only ties for their 4th best finish ever as they finished 2nd the past 3 straight years. Tri-Cities Prep finished a strong season and nothing to sneeze at getting into the final 4. The Jags finished 15-5 and won their 2nd volleyball state trophy in school history, matching last year’s 4th place finish.
5th Place Game Liberty (Spangle) 3, Toutle Lake (25-16, 25-18, 25-19)
The Lancers finished the season 18-3 overall and picked up a respectable 5th place trophy. This is one of the hardest trophies to win because teams have got to pick themselves up quickly and turn around to win to stay in the tournament. The Lancers handled the Ducks who came out flat footed and never recovered. Toutle Lake also finished with an impressive season considering they were 2-3 after their first 5 matches of the season.
7th Place Game Colfax 3, Kittitas/Thorp 0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-19)
The Bulldogs were clearly not happy dropping their opener in straight sets to Brewster but had to feel good about taking the 7th place trophy home and outlasting Brewster who was eliminated before the trophy round. Colfax put it to the Coyotes in the trophy match and finished the year 16-4. Kittitas/Thorp pushed finalist NWC to 4 sets in the opening round and fought back to take home 8th place. The Coyotes would finish 14-8 but played 4 matches in the SunDome and took home some hardware, pretty good!
Friday, Semi-Finals
NW Christian (Colbert) 3, Tri-Cities Prep 1 ( 22-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-21)
The Crusaders have been solid and steady all year now sporting an 18-2 overall record but their competition has been limited to the Spokane area only and not sure they have met a team the likes of La Conner. The Crusaders after dropping an opening set win to a tough Tri-Cities team will have to play their best yet to have a shot at knocking off this beast of a team they are about to meet. Tri-Cities certainly wanted a shot at the title but seriously have a much better chance of finishing with a win in the 3rd place match.
La Conner 3, Mossyrock 1 (25-16, 25-19, 21-25, 25-8)
The Braves are headed to the State title match but did Mossyrock find a chink in the armor of the clear favorite to win it all with that 25-21 3rd set win? If it was an opening the Braves closed the door quickly allowing only a brief look at how to defeat them as they came back roaring with a 25-8 win to close the set. The Braves will get NWC (Colbert) for all the marbles this evening.
Consolation Bracket (Loser Out)
Kittitas/Thorp 3, Chewelah 1 (23-25, 25-12, 26-24, 25-19)
The Coyotes stayed alive and sent the Cougars packing. K-T gets Colfax in the 7th place match.
Colfax 3, Walla Walla Valley 1 (26-24, 18-25, 26-24, 25-15)
It took 2 ovrtimes but the Bulldogs tenaciously fought to stay alive and willed themselves past WWV and now will go home with a trophy.
Toutle Lake 3, Kalama 0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-18)
The Ducks had faced Kalama once this year and lost in the 2nd week and they weren’t about ready to let that happen again. With the win the Nooks went home the T-L will play for 5th.
Brewster vs Liberty (Spangle) 3, Brewster 0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-19)
Both teams began the tournament with a win but both fell short of the final four so it was who was ready to stay and who was ready to go home. The Lancers dominated from the start over a weary looking Bears team and will head to the trophy round.
Thursday, 1st Round Games
Kalama 3, Lake Roosevelt 1 (15-25, 25-13, 25-16, 25-21)
After a slow start the Chinooks got things rolling and reeled off 3 straight wins to knock off the Raiders 3-1 and advance to the quarterfinals. Kendal and Payton Collins were terrific with lots of help from the Libero Amanda Killinen. Ellie Hansen played well at the net for the Raiders and Makaylah Thompson was solid on the back line and the service line. Kalama moves on in the Winner’s bracket while Lake Roosevelt has a loser out match tonight.
Tri Cities Prep 3, Chewelah 0 (25-17, 25-22, 25-17)
6 of the 8 first round 2B matches were 3-0 sweeps and this was one of them although the Cougars battled hard in each set, the T-C Jaguars were too much led by Emily Dickson at the net. Gia Ghirado was also a force with several sets and passing shots as the Jags head to the quarters. Chewelah now drops into the consolation bracket and did get a big effort from Lily Kirry but will need a bigger effort to get to day 2.
Toutle Lake 3, Crosspoint Academy 0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-14)
The Ducks were dominant from the beginning and Crosspoint was always trying to catch up which is never a good position to be in, in volleyball. T-L got solid efforts from Jordyn Grabenhorst, especially at the service line and Nikarra Smith, just a couple of the names we could have highlighted in this one, truly a solid team effort. The Ducks now fly into the quarterfinals tonight. Crosspoint will have to battle through the consolation bracket and Addy Schmidt the Libero was one of those who will need to play like she did in this one for the Warriors to move on.
NW Christian (Colbert) 3, Kittitas/Thorp 1 (25-11, 25-27, 25-21, 25-19)
This was one of those matches it looked like it was going to be quick and to the point after the Crusaders rolled over the Coyotes 25-11 in the first but then Kittitas-Thorp came right back and knocked off Shoreline Christian in extra panels 27-25 to tie it up. Coach Kim Zorn then fired up her squad and they came right back with two straight wins to clinch the all-important opening win. The Crusaders move on to the quarters thanks to the efforts of Taylor Dekoning, Anna Robertson and Tory Coates. The Coyotes got a nice match from Chiara Carey and Skyla Tunison but will need more as they face a loser out this evening.
Brewster 3, Colfax 0 (25-14, 25-21, 25-21)
The Brewster Bears sound like a Hallmark holiday card and collection but there was no precious moments for Colfax as double B rolled to a sweep and into the quarterfinals. Brewster got off to a fast start with the 11 point win over the Bulldogs and even though Colfax would settle down and push the Bears with strong play from Abree Aune and Kierstyn York it was not enough. Each time the Bulldogs would get close the Bears would keep them at arms length led by Sammi Emigh, Karste Wright and Emerson Webster. Colfax is in a must win this evening or their tournament is over.
LaConner 3, Willapa Valley 0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-8)
Out of all the 3-0 sweeps this was the most dominant with the Braves absolutely in control from start to finish. Sarah Cook, Emma Keller and Maya Masonholder were just a few were dominant in this match as they roll into the quarters. No doubt they opened many eyes with this performance and will be a team to watch. Willapa Valley simply got overwhelmed and will need a big effort to get to the 2nd day of this tournament.
Liberty (Spangle) 3, Wahkiakum 0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-16)
The Lancers seemed to be a step ahead of the Mules in each of the 3 sets and cruised into the quarterfinals. Annika Tee was brilliant at the service line and kill shots while Kendyl Fletcher was all over the court as the Libero. Maisie Burhham also delivered some thundering shots that seemingly tore the cover off the ball. The Mules battled hard and Jansi Merz with Aubrie Montgomery will need to match their strong games and have others step up with them to get through the loser out game tonight.
Mossyrock 3, Walla Walla Valley Academy 0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-21)
This may have been the longest sweep of the 6 in this session as WWV never would allow Mossyrock to put them away until late. The Vikings would build 5 and 6 point leads only to see the Knights battle back and tie the match or take the lead. The Vikings never lost focus though thanks to some solid play and Senior leadership from Andee Nelson and Amy Fitzhugh. Mossy now heads to the quarters. The Knights will have to re-group quickly and hope to get the same effort from Sahara Browning and Jessica Mitchell plus from others to keep their season alive in tonight’s consolation.
2nd Round Quarterfinals (Winner’s Bracket)
Tri-Cities 3, Kalama 0 (27-25, 25-19, 25-21)
After getting off to a slow start in their opener then winning 3 in a row Kalama wanted to get off to a fast start. They battled Tri Cities in the first to an overtime but the Jaguars would not give in and grabbed the win. That seemed to energize the Jags while delivering a gut punch to the Nooks who then fell in 3 straight. Tri-Cities moves on to the Semi-Finals and Kalama will play a loser out contest and with a win will take home either the 5th or 6th place trophy.
NWC (Colbert) 3, Toutle Lake 0 (26-24, 25-12, 25-21)
This was another match where a 1st set overtime may have taken the wind out of the sails of the Ducks in this one. After losing 26-24 NWC (Colbert) put the pressure on and T-L could not respond. The Crusaders ran off in the 2nd set and held off any potential rally from the Ducks for the 3-0 sweep. NWC heads for the Semi’s and has guaranteed themselves no worse than a 4th place finish but clearly they have their focus on the top prize. Toutle Lake will play in a loser out tomorrow and with a win will finish 5th or 6th.
La Conner 3, Brewster 0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-23)
This may be one of the best 3-0 sweeps of the tournament as the Braves certainly come in as the team to beat as they are undefeated and are the defending Champs. La Conner has trophied the last 6 years in a row and finally won it all last year and are playing like they like that much better than settling for simply a trophy. But Brewster was not going to go down without a battle even when they fell behind 0-2 many times teams toss in the towel in this case the Bears played their best pushing the Braves to the 25-23 finale. Brewster will have to win tomorrow morning for a shot at 5th. La Conner is sitting on top of the hill daring someone to try and knock them off.
Mossyrock 3, Liberty (Spangle) 1 (25-22, 25-22, 19-25, 25-16)
The Vikings of Mossyrock will get their chance at knocking off the defending champions La Conner in the Semi-finals on Friday after turning away a feisty Liberty squad. The Lancers will play a loser out tomorrow and still have a chance to grab the 5th place trophy.
2nd Round (Consolation Bracket, Loser Out)
Chewelah 3, Lake Roosevelt 1 (13-25, 25-19, 25-9, 25-15)
Maybe the oddest scoring summary of the tournament as the Raiders cruised over Chewelah in the opener looking like the Cougars were headed home after 1 day but instead turned it around to win going away including a 25-9 win in the 4th set. Chewelah will get to stay and play Friday morning for a shot at 7th place.
Kittitas/Thorp 3, Crosspoint 0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-21)
The Coyotes bounced back from an opening round loss to sweep the Warriors of Crosspoint. K-T is now one win away from a trophy while Crosspoint had their season come to an end.
Colfax 3, Willapa Valley 0 (25-12, 25-21, 25-7)
The Bulldogs were not going to be denied after falling short in their opening round they ran past Willapa Valley to win going away sending them to Friday for a shot at a trophy while sending the Vikings home. Libero Annie Cox had a big match for Colfax to help keep their season alive.
Walla Walla Valley Academy 3, Wakiakum 0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-19)
The Knights redeemed themselves with a late night win to send the Mules packing and giving themselves a shot at some hardwood. WWVA plays Friday Morning in a loser out contest.
1A STATE TOURNAMENT (BRACKET LINK)
State Championship Match Chelan vs King’s
3rd Place Game Freeman vs Lakeside (9-Mile)
5th Place Game Lynden Christian vs Nooksack Valley
7th Place Game King’s Way Christian vs Goldendale
Semi-Finals
Freeman vs Chelan 3, Freeman 1 (25-21, 25-20, 24-26, 25-21)
The undefeated Chelan Mountain Goats who had not given up a single set loss all year until Zillah got one in the opening round of this tournament and quickly took a 2-0 lead over Freeman. The Goats were headed for a sweep when the Scotties came back from a 4 point late deficit to win in extra time. Chelan then settled in and remained focused putting away the senior laden Scotties.
King’s 3, Lakeside (9-Mile Falls) 0 (25-18, 25-22, 27-25)
The Knights went 7 straight sets of not giving up more than 19 points in a set before Lakeside did in their 2nd set. 9-Mile then nearly handed King’s their first loss of the tournament but could not resist the final push and fell in OT. King’s heads to the finals 9-0 in the SunDome when they face Chelan for all the marbles.
Saturday’s Games Consolation Bracket (Loser Out)
King’s Way 3, Charles Wright 1 (25-18, 25-27, 25-17, 25-23)
KWC stayed alive and advanced to the trophy round with this win over Charles Wright who has had a lot of recent success including a State title in 2016. The Knights take on Goldendale for 7th place.
Goldendale 3, Castle Rock 2 (23-25, 25-17, 25-20, 24-26, 15-11)
After dropping their opener the Timberwolves roared back to win late Friday night and in this one that went 5 sets. Goldendale will be looking for their first trophy since 2008.
Lynden Christian 3, Overlake 0 (25-12, 25-15, 25-12)
The always powerful Lyncs in all sports were not ready to head home empty handed after dropping their quarterfinal to Chelan and rolled over the Owls to advance to the 5th place match. Overlake had their season come to an end.
Nooksack Valley 3, Meridian 1 (25-21, 18-25, 25-17, 25-23)
The Pioneers had played a lot on opening day 9 sets and 3 overtimes plus a 5th set and then turned around to play 4 sets in their first match on day 2. Nooksack will face a familiar opponent in Lynden Christian Saturday afternoon for 5th place.
Friday, 1st Round Games
Overlake 3, King’s Way Christian 0 (26-24, 25-15, 26-24)
Freeman 3, La Salle 1 (25-17, 21-25, 25-17, 25-22)
Lynden Christian 3, Charles Wright 0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-17)
Zillah vs Chelan (25-14, 22-25, 25-16, 25-6)
Goldendale vs Lakeside (9-Mile) 3, Goldendale 0 (25-13, 25-18, 25-20)
Nooksack Valley 3, Bellevue Christian 1 (25-19, 25-16, 24-26, 25-14)
Meridian 3, Castle Rock 1 ( 25-17, 13-25, 25-19, 26-24)
King’s 3, Okanogan 0 (25-11, 25-12, 25-6)
2nd Round Quarterfinals (Winner’s Bracket)
Freeman 3, Overlake 0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-11)
Chelan 3, Lynden Christian (28-26, 25-17, 25-18)
Lakeside (9-Mile) 3, Nooksack Valley 2 (26-24, 25-27, 25-20, 19-25, 15-11)
King’s 3, Meridian 0 (25-17, 25-16, 25-13)
2nd Round (Consolation Bracket, Loser Out)
King’s Way 3, LaSalle 1 (22-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23)
Charles Wright 3, Zillah 2 (25-19, 21-25, 25-20, 21-25, 15-13)
Goldendale 3, Bellevue Christian 0 (25-13, 25-19, 27-25)
Castle Rock 3, Okanogan 1 (23-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-14)
2A STATE TOURNAMENT (BRACKET LINK)
State Championship Match Ellensburg vs Ridgefield
3rd Place Game Burlingtion-Edison vs Washington
5th Place Game White River vs Lynden
7th Place Game Columbia River vs Selah
Semi-Finals
Ellensburg 3, Burlington-Edison 1 (15-25, 25-17, 25-22, 25-18)
The Bulldogs of Ellensburg will be looking to snap a long run of 2nd places since wining their one and only Volleyball State Title back in 1988. Since then the Dogs have 4 2nd place finishes with their latest back in 2015, a match they lost to Burlington-Edison. Meantime, the machine called B-E Tiger Volleyball had their intersting run snapped where they finished 1st in 2013 then 5th, then 1st, then 5th, then 1st and then 5th last year. They won’t be Champs but they will add a 3rd or 4th place trophy.
Ridgefield 3, Washington 1 (25-12, 25-17, 17-25, 25-20)
Ridgefield added their 5th State Title to their trophy case last year but don’t want to wait as long between titles as before since you had to go way back to 1990. The Spudders looked like they would cruise back to defend their title but the Patriots would not simply hand over the Semi-final victory and took set 3 to push Ridgefield to a 4th set where they re-focused and finished the job. The Pats will finish with the 2nd best finish in school history regardless of if its 3rd or 4th. Washington won a State Title, back in 1977 and since then, nothing. So this is going to be a year to remember for WHS.
Saturday’s Games Consolation Bracket (Loser Out)
Columbia River 3, North Kitsap 0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-23)
Selah 3, Steilacoom 0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-20)
Tumwater vs White River 3, Tumwater 0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-20)
Lynden 3, Pullman 2 (25-23, 19-25, 25-20, 22-25, 15-11)
Friday 1st Round Games
Tumwater 3, Fife 2 (17-25, 26-24, 25-19, 16-25, 15-8)
North Kitsap 1, Ellensburg 3 (25-15, 18-25, 25-19, 25-21)
Columbia River 1, White River 3 (20-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-22)
Cheney 0, Burlington-Edison 3 (25-10, 25-16, 25-15)
Steilacoom 1, Pullman 3 (25-21, 25-18, 17-25, 25-17)
Sehome 2, Washington 3 (25-19, 20-25, 19-25, 25-17, 16-14)
Selah vs Lynden 3, Selah 0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-21)
Ridgefield 3, River Ridge 0 (25-15, 25-16, 25-18)
Friday Second Round Games
Quarterfinals (Winner’s Bracket)
Ellensburg 3, Tumwater 1 (25-15, 25-17, 24-26, 25-22)
Burlington-Edison 3, White River 1 (25-17, 25-14, 23-25, 25-11)
Washington 3, Pullman 0 (25-20, 26-24, 25-20)
Ridgefield 3, Lynden 1 (23-25, 25-15, 25-22, 25-22)
2nd Round (Consolation Bracket, Loser Out)
North Kitsap 3, Fife 1
Columbia River 3, Cheney 0
Steilacoom 3, Sehome 1
Selah 3, River Ridge 0
elisportsnetwork.com