High School Volleyball - State Tournament Recap (Day 1)

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By Keith Leventhal

Summary

Richland and Southridge kicked off the 4A state tournament in Kennewick, while Connell and Royal played in the 1A state tournament in Yakima!

Story Published: Nov 12, 2009 at 10:33 PM PST

The 4A volleyball state tournament got started bright and early at 9 AM Thursday at the Toyota Center.

And one of the first teams on the court was Richland.

The Bombers are making their first ever trip to state...and their first match was an instant classic.

Richland opened up the tournament Thursday morning against Auburn Riverside.

This match would go 5 games.

Richland puts up a great fight...but they lose their first match at state as they fall to Auburn Riverside 3 games to 2.

That put the Bombers on the consolation side of the bracket.

They got back on the court Thursday afternoon against Issaquah.

Once again, Richland plays another match that goes 5 games.

And once again, they fall just a little short, losing to the Eagles 3 games to 2.

That loss ends Richland's season with a record of 27-6.

Southridge is back at state for just the 2nd time in school history.

They also played an epic first round match as they took on Skyview.

This match would also go the distance.

And, just like Richland, Southridge ends up on the wrong side of the scoreboard.

They fall to Skyview 3 games to 2.

So, the Suns also moved into the consolation bracket.

They had no time to rest between matches...and it showed.

Southridge took on Kamiak.

And the Suns get swept 25-18, 25-21, and 25-22.

So, Southridge ends their year with a record of 25-8.

It wasn't just the 4A kids on the court on Thursday.

Over in Yakima, the 1A state volleyball tournament kicked off on Thursday afternoon.

Connell has made it to state each of the last 4 years, but they've only brought home 1 trophy...that was back in 2007 when they finished in 2nd place.

The Eagles are back in the state tournament this year...their first round opponent was Castle Rock.

Connell has a rough first round match as they get swept by Castle Rock 25-15, 25-23, and 25-13.

The Eagles then played an elimination game against Cascade Christian.

And Connell wins that one 3 games to 1.

So, they'll be back on the court Friday at 10:30 AM when they take on Lakeside.

Royal made it back to the state tournament for the first time in 5 years.

Their first round opponent was Freeman.

Royal struggles as they get swept by Freeman 25-16, 25-20, and 25-17.

That meant the Knights also played a loser-out game on Thursday afternoon.

They took on Meridian.

And the Knights swept the Trojans 25-16, 25-9, 25-20.

Royal will be back in action on Friday when they play Annie Wright.