Richland, Southridge eliminated at state volleyball

KENNEWICK -- The Richland volleyball players kept up their brave facade until they belted out one final team cheer to close out their season.

Then the tears began flowing, joining those that stained the cheeks of their Southridge compatriots.

Both Tri-City teams were eliminated from the 4A state tournament Thursday at Toyota Center, and while neither won a match, each provided plenty of highlights for their fans who filled the west end of the arena.

The Bombers, making their first-ever state appearance, dropped a pair of five-set heartbreakers -- first to Auburn Riverside (27-29, 36-34, 20-25, 25-20, 15-12), then to Issaquah in the consolation round, 25-23, 24-26, 25-15, 26-28, 15-10.

"We're not so much upset we lost," said junior Chelsey Bettinson, who had 47 kills for the day. "The tears are because we're so sad we're done and not playing on the same team any more. This was the best team ever. We were all best friends. We got further than our school had ever gone, and we're definitely proud for that."

The Suns followed Richland onto Court 1 and also lost their first-round match in five sets to Greater St. Helens League champion Skyview, 25-19, 23-25, 25-22, 22-25, 15-11.

They were then hustled over to their consolation match against Kamiak, and still looking a bit dazed, they were swept out of the tournament, 25-18, 25-21, 25-22.

"We were just lacking energy in that last match," said Suns senior Heather Worley. "If we could have had time to go wipe (the Skyview loss) off, had a little fun, done a little team bonding, that might have helped.

"But you can't dwell on one game, one match, one point. You have to be able to forget things. We weren't able to."

Richland did have that opportunity to wipe the slate clean after its 2 hour, 15 minute marathon against AR in its opener. The Bombers had four chances to win the second set and take a 2-0 lead in the match, and in the end they had no answer for Ravens senior Brooke Bray, who had a school-record 53 kills.

"We had our opportunities against Auburn Riverside," said Richland coach Bob Raidl. "But you only get so many chances against a good team. If you don't capitalize, they won't come again."

Against Issaquah, which also lost its opener in five sets to Kentwood, the Bombers fought back to win the fourth set on an ace and a kill by senior setter Krysta Olberding. But the Eagles pulled away in the fifth, going on a 5-0 run to get to match point.

Richland saved two match points, but a block by Rachel Roeder closed out their season.

"We talked about that in the huddle, how the first one went five and we let that one slip through our fingers, and now we have the opportunity to turn it around," Olberding said. "We just struggled with finishing today."

Southridge's troubles came in the third set against Skyview. The Suns led 22-18 after a combined block from Danielle Harvey and Meagan Doyle, but then committed four hitting errors during Skyview's set-ending 7-0 run.

Though they bounced back to win the fourth set, the offense petered out in the fifth as the Storm's defense tightened. Skyview built an 11-4 lead and held on from there.

"What broke our back was us not winning that third set," said Southridge coach John Lengphounpraseut. "Then we had no time to recover for our next match. The timing couldn't have been any worse."

Indeed, the Suns were interrupted in the middle of their post-match wrap-up and brought back courtside, where they faced a Kamiak team that had been swept by Graham-Kapowsin in its opener.

Southridge opened the match with a service error, and that right there told the story. The Suns fell behind 23-14 in the first set, and while they held leads early in each of the final two sets, they wore down in each.

"Our legs just weren't there," Lengphounpraseut said.

Still, like the Bombers, the Suns could look at the bright side following a final team meeting.

"Although it's disappointing to lose today, I wouldn't trade this team for anybody," said junior setter Andrea Smith. "I'm keeping my head up because we worked so hard this season. I'm so proud of all our accomplishments."