The White River High volleyball team redeemed itself from an abysmal showing in subdistricts, surging back during the Class 2A West Central District tournament at Franklin Pierce, winning necessary matches to clinch a berth in the state tournament for the second year in a row.
The dance begins for the Hornets at 9:45 a.m. Friday against Archbishop Murphy at Evergreen State College.
White River, which went 12-0 in league play, began its march through the district competition Friday afternoon by eliminating Fife 25-18, 25-18, 14-25 and 25-14.
“The girls played with a lot of energy and really hustled after each ball, so we were able to move on to the semifinals the next day after beating the Trojans,” coach Stryder Argo said.
Saturday, Argo held his Hornets played some of the most consistent volleyball he had seen all season, as they began the day by edging a tough North Kitsap contingent in an exciting match that went the distance.
The Hornets fell behind, losing the first two sets 25-13 and 25-17. But with its back to the wall White River got its act intact, winning the next three, including a 15-10 triumph in the do-or-die sudden death set.
Against the Rams, Dannie Stroud and Jailyn VanSickle teamed up for 30 kills and 40 digs and Haley Valalla was welcomed back with a dozen kills versus both Fife and North Kitsap. Cassidy Kunst notched 42 assists and 10 digs against the Rams.
White River easily prevailed over Port Angeles in Saturday’s championship as the Hornets swept the Roughriders 25-22, 25-17 and 25-16 to advance as the No. 1 seed out of the West Central District.
