The Skyline Spartans had nothing to lose, and everything to win when facing the Bellarmine Prep Lions, a heavy favorite at the Class 4A state volleyball tournament, Friday at Saint Martin’s University’s Marcus Pavilion in Lacey.
After all, the Spartans survived three-loser out matches in the KingCo tournament just to qualify for state, but had a tough task of taking down a Lions squad that was ranked No. 1 for some time in the teams’ opening-round match.
Trailing two sets to none, the Spartans rallied back to play in their first five-set match of the season and prevailed late winning, 26-28, 20-25, 25-23, 27-25, 15-12 and dashing Bellarmine’s hopes of a trip to the championship game. The Lions topped Wenatchee in three sets in the consolation bracket to remain alive in the tournament.
“We came in here with nothing to lose,” said Skyline senior setter Madison Stoa, who dished out a season-high 52 assists and also had 17 digs and six kills. “We came though the bottom of the loser’s bracket (at districts) to get here. I think we earned that game. I’m so proud of my team to be able to persevere.”
Skyline’s upset was one of a few during Friday’s opening day.
Kent-Meridian continued its hot postseason streak with a 14-25, 21-25, 25-15, 27-25, 16-14 upset of Woodinville, thanks in part by Chloe Watson’s 17 kills and Anna Laban’s 34 assists. The Royals were a state powerhouse in the late 1970s, winning three state titles, but hadn’t made the state tournament since 1998. Coach Michael Christiansen said his team used a nameless approached when facing the No. 5-ranked Falcons.
“If we focus on what we can do, we can play well with anyone,” he said.
Olympia advanced to its third semifinal appearance in the past four years after edging Mead in a five-game win. This was the fourth straight year Olympia and Mead met in the state tournament.
Mead, winners of six state titles since 2003, owned the 2009 and ’10 matches. Most recently, the Spokane team edged the Bears in last year’s third/sixth-place match to deny Olympia its highest finish at state since winning it all in 1998.
As Olympia coach Laurie Creighton put it, her team showed some fight, defeating the powerhouse Panthers, 23-25, 25-23, 25-10, 11-25, 15-6, to advance to the semifinals for the third time in four years.
“The kids were excited to play this match, for sure,” Creighton said. “They wanted to match up with them if they have the opportunity. That’s what it all about, those matches right there.”
Bears outside hitter Christie Colasurdo, The Olympian’s 2011 All-Area player of the year, broke her own school record for kills in a match with 26. Her previous record was 25 in a nonleague match with Curtis earlier this season. Setter Alex Bassett had 50 assists, and Michaela Berendt and Tiana McIntosh combined for 21 kills.
Olympia faces defending 4A state champion Jackson in one semifinal at 3:15 p.m. The other semifinal is the winners of Curtis/Skyline and Kent-Meridian/Kentwood. Both matches began shortly before 11 p.m. Friday and details were unavailable at press time. The 4A championship match is at 8:15 p.m.
Meg Wochnick: 360-754-5473 mwochnick@theolympian.com
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