11/13/25
The State 2B Volleyball Tournament concluded Thursday night at the Yakima SunDome. Our coverage includes re-caps of all 26 matches played over the 2-day event. Below are all the re-cap stories beginning with the State Championship and working back to the opening matches at 8am on Wednesday morning.
Links of Note
Link to Eli Sports Live Broadcast page
Link to WIAA for Fan information
Link to WIAA official bracket
Link to WIAA State Volleyball Matches on the NFHS Network (subscription required)
All stories written by Sandy Ringer
Thursday, November 13
State Championship
The experience will be forever etched in their minds.
And, as it turns out, written in gold.
That’s how Garfield-Palouse High School immortalizes its state champions, and 1B volleyball banner will be added after the Vikings defeated Fellowship Christian of Everett Thursday night at the Yakima SunDome – 26-24, 25-18, 25-21.
Senior Elena Flansburg, who put together 15 kills, five aces and two blocks, was already looking forward to the ceremony as she stood on the court covered with red and gold confetti.
“We’ll make the Hall of Fame and we’ll get our name put in gold on a banner in our home gym and I’m really excited to see our name for this year 2025,” she said.
Flansburg was one of several standouts for the third-seeded Vikings (23-3), whose only other volleyball crowns came back in 2004 and 1999, both at the 2B level.
Senior setter Morgan Lentz handed out 13 assists, while junior Kyra Brantner smacked 11 kills. Sophomore Reisse Johnson keyed a relentless service attack with four aces and served the final 11 points as G-P came from behind in the second set. She was selected the match MVP.
Almost fittingly, the championship point came when Brantner’s serve smacked the top of the net and trickled over.
Garfield-Palouse went 1-2 in last year’s tournament, dropping two straight after winning a play-in game. It was a learning experience for the young players. And it paid off this season. The Vikings’ most recent trip to state before that was back in 2007.
“This means the whole world to me,” Lentz said. “Volleyball is my No. 1 sport. I really love it more than anything. I’ve always dreamed of winning a state championship. This is just the best way to go out. I can’t even be mad about it being my last time ever.”
Fellowship Christian, which opened in 2019, had big dreams, too, and showed rapid improvement after qualifying for the first time in 2023. The Eagles managed to win one of three matches, then claimed third place last season after a semifinal loss to Wilber-Creston-Keller, which went on to knock off Oakesdale, the three-time defending champion.
The fourth-seeded Eagles (22-2) seemed ready to soar to the top after taking down No. 1 Oakesdale in the semifinals, 3-0. They had multiple opportunities against G-P with leads in all three sets, but fell short.
Coach Nicholas Smith had nothing but praise for his players.
“I just have a lot of girls who love Jesus and they love each other and they played their hearts out for one another,” he said. “I am blessed to be the coach of this team. It’s amazing.”
Smith admitted the lack of experience was a factor in the match.
“We haven’t been here (in a championship match) before, but we’ll be back,” he said. “I have faith in them.”
Erica Dimitruk, their only senior, stood out for her perfect passes (she was credited with eight). Juniors Eliana Bakhshyiev (eight kills, four aces), Liliana Reshetnikov (eight kills) and Haley Grigoryev (13 assists) all had impact as well.
Garfield-Palouse coach Sarah Foss was emotional after the victory, fighting back tears – which she partially attributed to the fact she is pregnant with her fourth child, a son due in February.
But her pride swelled in acknowledging what the team was able to accomplish in her first year as head coach – anywhere! Her experience came as a player back in in high school in North Dakota and as a volunteer assistant for two seasons at a small school in Idaho.
Shaw said the Garfield-Palouse players took to her immediately.
“They took everything that I threw at them and they trusted me,” she said. “Everything I’ve asked them to do, they’ve done a really good job at it. They’ve been moldable, hungry to learn, and they just needed someone to do it, to help them and show them where to go.”
The Vikings wound up going all of the way to the top.
Trophy Round
3rd-4th places
Game 29: #1 Oakesdale 3, # 7 Almira Coulee Hartline 1
18-25, 25-18, 25-14, 26-24
Grace Perry made sure Oakesdale’s trio of seniors left the SunDome on a positive note after last year’s disappointment.
Sure, they all would rather have been back in the title match, where they were upset by Wilbur-Creston-Keller a year earlier
But after losing to Fellowship Christian in the semifinals earlier in the day, this was the best they could do.
And it didn’t look particularly good when Almira Coulee Hartline flexed its muscle in the opening set.
But the Nighthawks never wavered in taking the following two to set up a dramatic finish. Both teams flashed fantastic defense, saving point after point until Oakesdale (24-2) finally prevailed.
The Warriors (18-7) left with a trophy for the first time since 2019, when they were third.
5th-6th places
Game 28: #2 Neah Bay 3, #9 Wilbur-Creston-Keller 2
25-14, 16-25, 25-16, 20-25, 15-10
Back and forth they went, until the Red Devils delivered the knockout punches in the fifth.
After Wilbur-Creston-Keller evened the match at 2-2, Neah Bay bolted to a 9-4 lead in the fifth with timely serves and withstood the comeback bid.
Senior setter Danika Perry was precise as usual and proved to be the game MVP.
The Red Devils (20-3) got more hardware to add to the trophy case after missing out last season. They were second to Oakesdale in 2023.
Wilbur-Creston-Keller (21-5) had hoped to sweep back-to-back championships, but lost to Oakesdale in the quarterfinals and ultimately settle for sixth place.
7th-8th places
Game 27: #8 Naselle 3, #14 Tahola 2
22-25, 25-16, 25-19, 19-25, 15-8
Seniors Haylee Rose and Mylee Dunagan keyed the final push after Tahola pulled even in the fourth set.
Rose edged her teammate for MVP honors.
Tahola got strong efforts from senior Noelani McCrory and junior Shirleymae Stafford.
It was Nasalle’s fourth win of the season over Tahola and the second time the two went to five sets.
The Comets (20-3) will be eyeing a bigger trophy next season with a veteran squad, losing just four seniors.
This is apparently Tahola’s first-ever state trophy. The Chitwins are also young (three seniors), so anticipate a return.
1B State Volleyball Semifinals
They didn’t exactly come in as underdogs.
But they were hardly considered favorites.
Yet it will be No. 3 Garfield-Palouse (22-3) opposing No. 4 Fellowship Christian of Everett (22-1) in the championship match of the Class 1B State Volleyball Tournament Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Yakima SunDome.
Garfield-Palouse dominated No. 7 Almira Coulee Hartline in the semifinals, while Fellowship Christian upset top-seeded Oakesdale – both by 3-0 counts.
Almira Coulee Hartline (18-6) and Oakesdale (23-2) square off at 3:30 in the match for third and fourth places.
Semifinals
Game 25: #3 Garfield-Palouse 3, Almira Coulee Hartline 0
25-14, 25-16, 25-16
Heavy-hitting Elena Flansburg, a 6-foot-1 senior, had her way against the Warriors, who didn’t seem to have an answer for her. She was recognized as the game MVP.
The same two teams met at district a week earlier, with Garfield-Palouse winning 3-1.
The Warriors had difficulty mounting much of an offensive attack in this one with the Vikings digging up most everything.
Junior Kyra Brantner was a factor for Garfield-Palouse as well with senior setter Morgan Lenz passing the ball around.
Game 26: #4 Fellowship Christian 3, #1 Oakesdale 0
25-16, 25-23, 25-18
MVP Erica Dimitruk, the Eagles’ only senior, was the cement in a brick wall defense that never allowed Oakesdale to get into any kind of offensive groove.
It was a balanced effort with major contributions from juniors Liliana Reshetnikov and Eliana Bakhshyiev. Seetter Hayle Grigoryev, another 11th-grader, made sure to spread the wealth.
For Oakesdale, senior Bradyn Henley played exceptionally well.
The Nighthawks were also upset in last year’s tournament, falling to Wilbur-Creston-Keller after coming in as heavy favorites. They had swept the three previous titles seven of last eight.
1B Consolation Round (Winner to Trophy Round, loser out)
Game 21: #14 Tahola 3, #10 Darrington 1
10-25, 25-15, 25-22, 25-16
Slow start, fast finish – that was the story for the Chitwins.
Darrinton dominated early, perhaps riding the memory of a 3-1 win over Tahola earlier in the season.
But the Chitwins (15-7) quickly turned the tide, held off a Darrington rally in the third and ultimately cruised into the trophy round.
They play No. 8 Naselle (19-3) in a contest to sort out seventh and eighth places Thursday at 2 p.m.
Junior Shirleymae Stafford was the catalyst against the Loggers, controlling the net to claim MVP honors. Noelani McCrory, one of only three seniors on the squad, also drew praise for her play.
Darrington (18-9) graduates four players and will be motivated to make it back to the SunDome
Game 22: #3 Naselle 3, #20 Wahkiakum 1
21-25, 25-12, 25-16, 25-20
It almost feels as though there were two winners here.
The Comets get to go home with a trophy.
The Mules get to leave with their heads held high, proving they belonged with the state’s best after coming in as the lowest seed.
But kudos first to Naselle, which won its second in a row after dropping Wednesday’s opener to Wilber-Creston-Keller. The Comets swept the final three sets after faltering in the first.
MVP Brooke Davis ruled the net and served consistently. Haylee Rose drew consideration for the nod as well with her solid play. The are two of the team’s three seniors.
The Comets (19-3) now shoot for the seventh-place trophy in their finale against No. 14 Tahola (15-7) Thursday at 2 p.m. The other team takes eighth.
Wahkiakum (15-7) won a play-in game Wednesday to join the field of 16 and was seeking to become the first No. 20 team to earn a trophy.
Game 23: #2 Neah Bay 3, #6 Providence Classical Christian 1
25-18, 25-19, 21-25, 25-19
Angel Halttunen keyed the Red Devils’ run to the trophy round with a dominant performance worthy of the MVP nod.
As one of four seniors on the team, Halttunen set the example, especially for their eight sophomores.
Neah Bay had beaten the Highlanders 3-0 in the district tournament, but this one was closer The Red Devils battle No. 9 Wilber-Creston-Keller (21-4) Thursday at 2 p.m. to determine fifth and sixth places.
Providence Classical Christian of Bothell goes home with a 21-6 mark – impressive considering a young roster with only two upper-classmen.
Game 24: #9 Wilbur-Creston-Keller 3, No. 5 Mary Walker 1
27-25, 25-14, 15-25, 25-18
It won’t be the big one they hauled home a year ago, but the Wildcats are still leaving with a trophy.
They made sure of that by bouncing back from Wednesday’s tough, 3-2 quarterfinal loss to Oakesdale.
Wilber-Creston-Keller (21-4) battles No. 3 Neah Bay (19-3) at 2 p.m. Thursday aiming to land the fifth-place trophy. The loser will be sixth.
Senior settler Callie Cousins facilitated the lion’s share of the Wildcats’ offense to wind up as the MVP.
Mary Walker, fifth a year ago, closes its season at 15-8.
Link to WIAA State Volleyball Matches on the NFHS Network (subscription required)
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Wednesday, November 12
Quarterfinal Bracket
1B Quarterfinals
Game 17: #3 Garfield-Palouse 3, #6 Providence Classical Christian 1
25-20, 25-20, 23-25, 25-19
Senior Elana Flansburg came up with the big plays when the Vikings (21-3) needed them, leading them into the semifinals. They play No. 4 Almira Coulee Hartline (18-5) at noon Thursday.
Morgan Lentz, the team’s senior setter, ran the offense to near perfection and spread the wealth. In addition to Flansburg, Kyra Brantner and Norah Bowechop got plenty of quality swings.
Providence Classical Christian (21-5) – which got the win in the third set thanks largely to sophomore Clara Day – now plays No. 2 Neah Bay (18-3) at 10 a.m. Thursday. A victory means the opportunity to claim fifth of sixth place. A loss ends the season.
Game 18: #7 Almira Coulee Hartline 3, #2 Neah Bay 2
23-25, 25-17, 19-25, 25-22, 15-11
It was as wild of a nail-biter as the scores indicate with momentum swinging back and forth.
Senior Emma Brummeett powered the Warriors to an 8-0 lead in the fifth set and helped them hold off a furious Neah Bay comeback to claim the semifinal berth. She landed the MVP award.
Naomi Moliter and Peyton Roberts, two more seniors, were key as well.
ACH (18-5), apparently peaking at the right time, plays No. 3 Garffield Palouse (21-3) at noon Thursday.
Neah Bay (18-3), which got solid efforts from Angel Halttunen and Brianna McGimpsey, takes on No. 6 Providence Classical Christian (21-5) Thursday at 10 a.m. with a chance to get to the trophy round (the winner plays for fifth and sixth, the loser is eliminated).
Game 19: #4 Fellowship Christian vs. #5 Mary Waler
25-22, 25-17, 25-14
The Eagles (21-1) will be adding to their trophy case.
But can they improve on last year’s third-place hardware?
That’s the next challenge as they face No. 1 Oakesdale (23-1) in a noon semifinal Thursday.
They fell short at that point last season, stumbling against Wilbur-Creston-Keller, the eventual champ.
Junior Eliana Bakhshyiev was again the offensive spark and was awarded the game MVP. Liliana Reschetnikov contributed to the attach and setter Hayley Grigoryev shook off an apparent injury to keep the offense running smoothly.
Mary Walker (15-7) pushed them in the opening set Wednesday, then couldn’t keep up the rest of the way. Fellowship Christian’s lone loss this season came against No. 6 Providence Classical Christian at district after an 18-0 start.
Providence Classical lost to No. 3 Garfield-Palouse in Wednesday’s quarterfinals.
Mary Walker can now only hope to duplicate the fifth-place finish from a year ago. The Chargers clash with No. 9 Wilber-Creston-Keller (20-4) – last year’s champion – Thursday at 10 a.m. in a loser-out bout. The team that stays alive gets to play for fifth and sixth places.
Game 20: #1 Oakesdale 3, #9 Wilber-Creston-Keller 2
25-19, 25-27, 25-12, 14-25, 15-11
This had to feel particularly sweet for Nighthawks after last year’s loss to the same team in the title match, ending their dream of a fourth consecutive crown.
It looked like they might make quick work of it after a dominant third set that gave them a 2-1 lead. But the Wildcats weren’t done yet, answering with an equally impressive fourth set.
Junior Grace Perry stepped up with four kills in the deciding set to claim MVP honors.
Oakesdale (23-1) plays No. 4 Fellowship Christian (21-1) in a noon semifinal Thursday.
Wilber-Creston-Keller (20-4) faces possible elimination at 10 a.m. Thursday against No. 5 Mary Walker (15-7). The winner then competes for fifth and sixth places.
1B Consolation Round (Loser Out)
Game 13: #14 Taholah 3, #11 Waterville-Mansfield 0
25-23, 25-22, 25-15
Junior Shirleymae Stafford was instrumental in keeping the Chitwins in the trophy hunt.
Her all-around play led to an MVP call.
Taholah (15-8) had a long day, staring with their play-in match at 8 a.m. They then lost to Garfield-Palouse, but the victory over Waterville-Mansfield moved them closer to some hardware. They get another wake-up call for Thursday’s 8 a.m. elimination bout against No. 10 Darrington (18-8). The survivor of that one then plays for seventh and eighth places.
Watterville-Mason ends its campaign 13-7.
Game 14: #10 Darrington 3, #15 Valley Christian 0
25-22, 27-25, 25-20
Junior Sophie Ross hammered 10 kills to highlight her MVP performance and push the Loggers further along in the consolation bracket.
Darrington (18-8) returns Thursday at 8 a.m. in another loser-out battle, this one against No. 14 Tahola (15-8).
Valley Christian goes home with a .500 record (12-12) but made its presence felt in each of the three sets.
Game 15: #20 Wahkiakum 3, #12 Northwest Christian 1
25-20, 19-25, 25-21, 25-19
Maybe being seeded last doesn’t sit well with Wahkiakum.
The Mules (15-6) are stubborn and pulled what were considered upsets in two of their three matches Wednesday.
This one got them an overnight stay and a chance to leave with a trophy. They play No. 8 Nasalle (18-3) Thursday at 10 a.m. with plenty of motivation. The winner gets another match, and either seventh or eighth place. The loser is done.
Senior libero Jessie LeFever flew around defensively get net MVP honors.
Northwest Christian leaves with a 19-6 record.
Game 16: # 8 Naselle 3, #16 Northport 0
25-16, 25-21, 25-22
Senior Haylee Rosa provided strong play at the net and service line to keep the Comets in the tournament.
She was selected game MVP.
Nasalle (18-3) built a sizeable lead in the third set (22-16), but Northport made a late push to extend the match before fading. The Mustangs conclude their season at 17-7.
The Comets play the upstart team of the tourney, No. 20 Wahkiakum (15-6) at 10 a.m. Thursday in another loser-out match. The winner is assured of some hardware (seventh or eighth place).
1B State Opening Round
Game 5: #6 Providence Classical Christian 3, #11 Waterville-Mansfield 0
25-10, 25-16, 25-20
In a match much loser than the scores might indicate, the Highlanders from Bothell made the big plays when they counted – especially in the back-and-forth third set.
Kate Bredenberg, a 5-8 junior OH, served well (including two aces in the second set and another in the third) and keyed the offense overall to nab MVP honors. Sophomore Gabbie Owens drew mention as well.
Next up for Providence Classical Christian (21-4) is a quarterfinal battle with No. 3 Garfield-Palouse (20-3) Wednesday at 9 p.m.
Waterville -Mansfield (13-6) hopes to bounce back against No. 14 Tahola (13-8) Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. in an elimination match.
Game 6: #3 Garfield-Palouse 3, #14 Taholah 0
25-23, 25-22, 25-19
This was another tight clash that seemingly could have gone either way.
The Vikings (20-3) were able to take control late in the third to step into Wednesday’s 9 p.m. quarterfinal against No. 6 Providence Classical Christian (21-4).
Junior Kyra Branner was the game MVP.
Taholah (13-8) now plays a loser-out match against No. 11 Waterville-Mansfield (13-6) Wednesday at 5:15.
Game 7: #7 Almira Coulee Hartline 3, #10 Darrington 1
25-20, 20-25, 25-22, 25-21
In one of the tournament’s most competitive first-round matches, defense was on full display. Unforced errors were rare and players on both sides had some monster moments.
Junior Josie Bayless stepped up big-time in the final set to get the Warriors (17-5) into the quarterfinals, emerging as the game MVP. Senior Emma Brummett was also key.
ACH, which last won the title in 2010, tangles with No. 2 Neah Bay (18-2), in a 9 p.m. quarterfinal Wednesday. Darington (17-8) falls into the consolation bracket and plays No. 15 Valley Christian (12-11) Wednesday at 5:15 p.m.
Game 8: #2 Neah Bay 3, #15 Valley Christian 1
25-12, 19-25, 25-20, 26-24
For a team that had to win a play-in game to even get to the official first round of the tournament, Valley Christian showed it belonged.
The Panthers (13-11) gave the Red Devils (18-2) everything they could handle and came oh-so-close to providing the day’s first five-set showdown.
But Neah Bay rallied from a set down and won the thrilling fourth set to keep its title aspirations alive. Sophomore Danica Halttven was the game MVP.
The Red Devils, who have reeled off 18 consecutive wins after starting the year 0-2, meet No. 7 Almira Coulee Hartline in the quarterfinals Wednesday at 9 p.m.
One of those early losses was to ACH, back in mid-September.
Valley Christian plays No. 10 Darrington (17-8) in a loser-out context Wednesday at 5:15 p.m.
Game 9: #5 Mary Walker 3, #12 Northwest Christian 1
25-17, 15-25, 25-20, 25-14
Kaylin Gines, a 6-1 junior OH, took over in the fourth set after the two teams had played pretty evenly. She stood out for her heavy hitting and sharp serving to land the MVP moniker.
Addy Hentges stood out for Northwest Christian, especially at the service line.
Mary Walker placed fifth here a year ago – ironically with a 3-1 win over Northwest Christian.
The Chargers (15-6) play No. 4 Fellowship Christian (20-1) in the quarterfnials Wednesday at 9 p.m.
Northwest Christian (19-5), sixth last year, hopes to stay in the trophy hunt with a victory over No. 20 Wahkiakum (14-6) Wednesday at 5:15 p.m.
Game 10: #4 Fellowship Christian 3, #20 Wahkiakum 0
25-6, 25-17, 25-14
Fellowship Christian of Everett cruised into the quarterfinals with a dominant performance from start to finish.
Liliana Reshetnikov stood out as the game MVP with Eliana Bakhshyiey earning mention as well.
The Eagles (20-1), who took third here last year in just their second tourney appearance, started the season 18-0 before a 3-2 loss to rival Providence Classical Christian – a team they had beaten twice before (3-1 and 3-2) – and are a team to keep an eye on.
They play No. 5 Mary Walker (15-6) in one of Wednesday’s 9 p.m. quarterfinals.
Wahkiakum (14-6), which had knocked off No. 13 Soap Lake in a play-in game to start the morning, faces elimination against No. 12 Northwest Christian (19-5) at 5:15 Wednesday.
Game 11: #9 Wilbur-Creston-Keller 3, #8 Naselle 2
18-25, 25-20, 21-25, 25-16, 15-6
There was no quit in Wilbur-Creston-Keller.
Down 2-1, the defending champs put on a clinic with precise passing and colossal kills in the fourth set, then rolled in the fifth.
Senior Rocksie Timentwa came away with the MVP tag with multiple others in contention, including junior Brystal Nielsen and sophomore Sina Nelson.
The Wildcats (20-3) take on No. 1 Oakesdale (22-1) in a rematch of last year’s title tilt in Wednesday’s 9 p.m. quarterfinal.
Naselle (17-3) gets an opportunity to rebound in a loser-out match with No. 16 Northport (18-6) Wednesday at 7:15.
Game 12: No. 1 Oakesdale 3, #16 Northport 0
25-12, 25-13, 25-14
The top-seeded Nighthawks look hungry for a return to the top.
They came into last year’s tournament seeking a fourth straight championship and the 11th over the 13 seasons.
Wilber-Creston-Keller quashed that dream with an upset victory in the tile match, 3-1.
Oakesdale (22-1) was all business Wednesday with junior Grace Perry leading the charge to get the MVP nod. She had plenty of help, most notably from senior Bradyn Henley and a pair of sophomores, Megan Crider and Lyla Kjack.
Next up is a quarterfinal date with – guess who? – No. 9 Wilbur-Creston-Keller (20-3) Wednesday at 9 p.m.
Northport (18-6) goes up against No. 8 Naselle (17-3) in an elimination bout Wednesday at 7:15.
Play-in Matches Loser Out
Game 1: #14 Taholah 3, #19 Entiat 1
Enitiat rallied from a 24-20 deficit to take the opening set, 26-24, but the Chitwins (14-7) took care of business the rest of the way to advance to the opening round.
Senior Noelani McCray led a relentless attack and was named the game MVP. Senior Lilly Guerro stood out for the Tigers, who finish the season 13-7.
Game 2: #15 Valley Christian 3, #18 Evergreen Lutheran 0
25-18, 25-17, 25-16
The Valley Christian Panthers won in straight sets eliminating the Evergreen Luteheran Eagles. The Eagles finished their season at 16-9.
Valley Christian is now 13-10 and advance to the double elimination round of 16 and will face #2 Neah Bay at 1:30 Wednesday afternoon on court 2.
Game 3: #20 Wahkiakum 3, #13 Soap Lake 1
25-15, 15-25, 25-22, 25-21
The Mules (14-5) pulled off the first upset of the day to keep their season alive. Soap Lake(12-5) threatened to force a fifth set with several leads in the fourth, but could not overcome some late service errors and Wahkiakum’s final surge.
Sophomore Esther Bouts came through in the clutch to earn game MVP accolades.
Game 4: #16 Northport 3, #17 Willapa Valley 1
25-22, 25-20, 25-20
The young Mustangs, who carry four eighth-graders on their roster, pulled off the sweep behind the play of MVP Kate Beardslee, one of the team’s six sophomores.
Liesel Stark, a 5-foot-10 eighth-grader, and senior Kylie Colton also were instrumental as Northport improved to 18-5.
Willapa Valley (14-7) got solid efforts from senior Jill Hodel and sophomore Tylar Keeton.
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