Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009

Volleyball notebook: 3 area teams in top 10 at Crossover

By Rene Ferran, Herald staff writer

Last weekend's Spokane Crossover Classic showed how three Tri-City CBBN programs match up well against the best from around the state.

Southridge, Richland and Kamiakin all won their respective pools and posted top-10 finishes in what is considered the state's premier in-season tournament.

The Suns bounced back from a first-round bracket loss to traditional Idaho power Sandpoint (which finished second to Mead) to win the consolation draw, beating 3A power Blanchet in their final match to place fifth.

Sandpoint then bounced Richland into the loser's bracket in the quarterfinals, where the Bombers rebounded to beat Colfax and finish tied for seventh, while Kamiakin lost in the quarterfinals to Mount Spokane and eventually finished tied for ninth.

Other area teams to take part were Grandview (36th), Kennewick (T41st), Pasco (42nd), Othello (43rd), Walla Walla (T46th), Chiawana (T48th), Tri-Cities Prep (53rd), Moses Lake (T57th) and Connell (T61st).

Hanford never committed to playing in the Crossover because it conflicted with Homecoming festivities. It and Sunnyside were the only Mid-Columbia 4A or 3A team not to take part.

-- The full extent of the injury suffered by Kamiakin senior Kristi Beyer in Tuesday's CBBN match at Southridge won't be known until today, after doctors have fully assessed an MRI taken Wednesday.

Braves coach Mary Opitz said the preliminary diagnosis was a torn MCL in her left knee, which could sideline her up to three weeks, meaning she could be back in time for regionals.

"We'll just wait and see and hope for the best," Opitz said.

The Braves spent practice Wednesday making lineup adjustments in preparation for tonight's match against Davis.

Senior Bethany Huston has experience playing in the middle during club ball, which would open a spot at right-side hitter for seniors Amy Ladendorf and Sydnie Schulthies.

-- Hermiston and Pendleton combined to raise more than $250 at their Dig Pink match last week, with the money going to the Side-Out Foundation to support breast cancer research. "The girls were honored to be part of the rally and show their support," said Bulldogs coach Darci Wellsandt. Meanwhile, Stanfield raised $1,224 for the foundation at its Dig Pink weekend with volleyball and football. ... Kennewick and Pasco, both needing wins to solidify their CBBN district playoff hopes, meet tonight at Ochoa Middle School. Proceeds from the match will go to the Ronny Coleman fund to help offset the Kennewick AD's medical bills. ... Grandview can pretty much wrap up the CWAC South title tonight by winning at East Valley. ... Tri-Cities Prep hosts LaCrosse-Washtucna on Saturday in a match that will play a big role in Southeast 1B district seeding.