Photo by George Kunke - Willapa Valley HS junior Olivia Betrozoff puts down a kill during semifinal action vs Raymond Saturday afternoon at Seagull gym. The Vikings prevailed but lost the championship match against Ocosta in the nine-team tournament.
SOUTH BEND - Raymond was defeated by South Bend in four games, 25-23, 25-21, 18-25 and 25-22 at Koplitz Field House last Thursday night. The Lady Seagulls were without one of their top players in Sadie Warnstadt, who came down with strep throat on the day of the match.
"Even though we lost, I thought we played really well," RHS head coach Bob Swogger told the Herald. "We had to adjust a lot, and I'm not making excuses. We still played well. Three of our girls had to change their roles and they played well. South Bend scored the first 10 points. We're still a really young team and South Bend is really experienced. We ran out of steam there a little in the fourth set.
"Tina Sypaphay had a great night with 10 kills and 11 digs," Swogger noted. "It was her best performance of the year. It's her first year of playing all six rotations. She has grown and blossomed and is taking on a responsibilty.
"Sidney (Swogger) had a good night for just being a freshman," Coach Swogger said of his daughter. "She has a good understanding of the game and does a really good job of running the offense.
"Middle hitter Hannah Miller (soph) did really well slowing South Bend down a little bit," Coach Swogger added.
Lady Gulls 3, Vikes 2
Raymond put up a big win over Willapa Valley in five games, 26-24, 30-28, 21-25, 19-25 and 15-4 last Tuesday (Sept. 18) at Seagull gym.
Warnstadt served 7 points in a row in game five for a 7-1 lead.
"When she's on with her serve, she's really tough," Coach Swogger said. "She serves a floater and it's a power serve with topspin that handcuffs the girls. It's like a fast knuckleball."
Raymond opens Pacific League play Thursday at Pe Ell, and then gets a visit from South Bend Tuesday.
'Pe Ell is new to our league, so they are a little bit of an unknown," Coach Swogger said. "We go out pumped every match whether it's league or non-league."
Ocosta Wins Tournament
Ocosta finished in first place at the Raymond Volleyball Tournament Saturday at Seagull gym. The Wildcats took the championship over Willapa Valley. South Bend and host Raymond tied for third place after losing in the semifinals.
Willapa Valley defeated Raymond 25-10, 25-20 in one semifinal and Ocosta took down South Bend in two games.
Naselle won the Consolation championship bracket.
Approximately 400 people attended the nine-team event.
The standings after Saturday morning's pool play were:
Willapa Valley (7-1)
South Bend (7-1)
Ocosta (6-2)
Raymond (4-4)
Naselle (4-4)
Pe Ell (3-5)
Tacoma Baptist (3-5)
Ilwaco (2-6)
North Beach (0-8)