Lady Badger volleyball team finishes 6th at state
<p>Savannah Woods in hand-to-hand combat at the net in the state tourney Oct. 31.</p>
The Bonners Ferry volleyball team followed a stellar undefeated season with a hard-fought sixth place finish at state competition Oct. 31. Photographer and grandparent Dan Earle followed the Lady Badgers to southern Idaho for state competition.
“Even before entering the volleyball facilities in Twin Falls I could feel the intensity and increased energy level of the State Volleyball Championship Tournament,” he said. “The talent, dedication, and persistent effort of all the teams poured into this two-day energized competition was palpable.”
A nearly 12-hour bus ride carried the team to the opposite end of the state.
“This was the first team to get here in 20 years,” Earle said. “They definitely showed up with the same teamwork, mutual support, tenaciousness, and persistent play that won the league and Districts. I was so honored to watch this team mature and grow to the status of the State Tournament.”
“The journey to state was bittersweet,” said coach Kendra Maas. Her team went into state competition with an 8-0 league record, placing them on the top of their bracket for the first game against Sugar-Salem.
“The girls come out a little nervous in the beginning, falling short the first two sets,” Maas said.
The Lady Badgers came back and took the third set, then fell just shot of points in the fourth set. They went 16-25, 17-25, 25-23 and 21-25 against the Diggers. Jasmine Hill had 8 kills and 7 digs, Malorie Stippich lead the team with 18 digs and 2 aces, Amanda Wilson had 3 big blocks, and Savannah Woods lead the team with 17 assists and 12 digs.
“We came out strong against Parma,” Maas said. Bonners Ferry won their second game of the tournament in three sets: 25-17, 25-22, and 25-20. Jasmine Hill lead the team with 12 kills, Jayten Everheart had 5 kills, Malorie Stippich had 16 digs, Ciera Woods had 2 aces, Savannah Woods had 15 assists and Miranda Wenk finished with 2 blocks and 2 kills. Winning against Parma kept the Badgers alive in the consolation bracket and they played Kimberly that same night.
“The girls played extremely well against a Kimberly team that was ranked second going into state. Kimberly came out on top in three, 16-25, 18-25, and 23-25.
“I have to say this game was one of the best they played,” Maas said. “They came out strong every point.”
Jasmine Hill lead the team once again with 5 kills 9 digs and 1 ace. Malorie Stippich had 1 kill and 8 digs, Ciera Woods had 3 kills, 3 aces, and 9 digs, Savannah Woods had 13 assists, 9 digs, Aaliyah Zarate had 2 aces and 4 digs.
“Every girl on this team played extremely well at state,” Maas said. “It was hard to make the line-ups as everyone was on top of their game. I couldn’t be more proud of this team’s hard work and dedication they gave.”
The Lady Badgers final place was sixth in 3A state.
“What an accomplishment,” Maas said. “The coaching staff of Cynthia Franke, Amy Lane and I would personally like to thank the amazing parents and this amazing town for all the support and cheering we received. To the girls on the team - it has been a memorable and pleasurable coaching season. Thank you for your dedication- Jasmine Hill, Mackenzie Mendenhall, Savannah Woods, Amanda Wilson, Malorie Stippich, Jayten Everheart, Ciera Woods, Aaliyah Zarate, Miranda Wenk, and Kadi Bateman. I am so excited for next year!”