Volleyball girls face tough going at state tournament

The O-H Titan volleyball team came home from Yakima without a trophy this year but nevertheless showed real sportsmanship and an ability to keep playing their best.

The state 1B volleyball tournament at the Yakima Sun Dome began Friday, November 15, with the Titan girls facing off against Tekoa-Oaksdale, the eventual tournament winner for the third straight year. Friday morning's scores were 25-16, 25-14 and 25-22, as T-O took three straight from the Titans.

It was an unfortunate draw for O-H, as the loss sent them right away to the consolation bracket.

Jenna Shafer and Chelsea Fisher each had two service aces in the matchup, and Alexa Boss contributed 18 assists. Fisher also had 7 kills. Defensively, Fisher led the team with 4 blocks and Jordyn Tanke had 10 digs.

Friday afternoon, the Titans faced Lake Quinault and easily defeated that team by scores of 25-14, 25-11 and 25-17.

Cydnee Kieffer led in service aces with 13. Boss had 23 assists and Fisher had 11 kills. On defense, Fisher had 5 blocks, and Tanke had 6 digs.

On Saturday, November 16, OH faced Sunnyside Christian in a loser-out game. This match saw two very determined and very evenly matched teams go head to head, battling fiercely throughout all five games. Scoring: 25-15 OH, 16-25 SC, 27-25 OH, 25-20 SC and 11-15 SC.

Comparing the O-H team's play on the two days, the difference was like night and day. Friday's play, in losing or in winning, appeared rather lackluster. Saturday's play was inspired, and despite the loss, the girls could be proud of their efforts. The game could easily have gone either way.

Shelbey Watkins held service for a long stretch during one game and ended up leading the team with 4 service aces. Boss had 28 assists and Fisher pounded out 22 kills. On defense, Fisher had 6 blocks and Jenna Shafer had 5 digs.