South Bend opened the volleyball season with a 3-game defeat at the hands of usually highly-regarded Wahiakum last Thursday at Cathlamet. The Mules won the match25-15, 25-21, 25-17. Over the weekend, the Tribe took second place at a tournament at Mossyrock.
"Wahkiakum is a great team, as they are the reigning 2B District champs with the majority of their team returning," SBHS head coach Jackie Sanchez told the Herald. "I thought we improved our play throughout the match, and I was pleased with our play. They are a very aggressive serving team, so we struggled on serve-receive at times. We did a good job of playing aggressive defense and communicating on the floor." Leading the charge for the Lady Indians were Rielly Myers (4 kills and 3 blocks) and Emily Sanchez (4 kills and 12 digs). Nikki Manlow and Morgan Patterson served 100 percent.
Mossyrock Tourney
The Lady Indians competed at the highly competitive Mossyrock Volleyball Tournament Saturday.
"This was a great tournament for us to play in," Coach Sanchez said. "The teams were tough teams mostly from the Central League. We were forced to make sure we played tough and aggressively defense throughout the day. I was very pleased with our communication on the floor to deliver an all around attack from all positions on the floor. I am so proud of the girls and their willingness to work hard, to improve, and to do so with a love of volleyball and each other."
Semifinal vs Adna
South Bend took down Adna in three electrifying games during the semifinal round, 25-23, 22-25, 15-10.
"This was a good match for us," Coach Sanchez said. "We serve-received well, which allowed us to run a good offense. Leading the serve-receive was Alison Funkhouser (11/13), Paige Johnson (8/9), Morgan Patterson (5/6), and Emily Sanchez (8/10). Setters McKenzie Salas and Emily Sanchez ran the offense with Sanchez getting 10 kills, Rielly Myers (4 kills, 3 blocks), Salas (4 kills), and Alison Funkhouser (3 kills). Paola Razo went 15 for 16 serving with two aces."
Title Match vs Mossy
The Lady Indians lost the championship match against host Mossyrock 25-11, 25-20.
"We had a difficult time playing consistent in this match," Coach Sanchez said. "They are a very tall and aggressive team, and we struggled to adjust to their blockers and servers. Emily Sanchez led all passers with eight digs. McKenzie Salas had a good game of setting. Offensively, Rielly Myers had four kills, Emily Sanchez four kills, and Alison Funkhouser 3 three kills."
South Bend hosted Napavine last night and visits Willapa Valley Tuesday.