Lady Badgers win two out of three, secure their spot at state tournament

| October 27, 2016 1:00 AM

BONNERS FERRY — The Bonners Ferry volleyball team had a great showing at this year’s district tournament, clinching a berth to the state tournament with a win over Priest River at home on Friday, Oct. 21.

The lady Badgers played Priest River in the first round of the tournament on Tuesday, Oct. 18. They beat the Spartans in three hotly contested sets, winning 25-23. 25-22 and 28-26. Wenk led the team offensively with eight kills, while Bennett played great defense with nine digs in the game. Other scoring: Olson with 13 assists and Pluid with three blocks.

With that win, the Bonners Ferry team went on to play Timberlake in the second round on Thursday, Oct. 20.

The Tigers rolled right over the Badgers in that game, dominating each set by a margin of eight points or greater. Set scores were: 17-25, 12-25 and 17-25. Bateman had a solid game with 12 digs and eight assists. Other scoring: Wenk with six kills and Pluid with six blocks.

That loss put the Badgers in contention for the consolation game on Friday, Oct. 21, which was against none other than Priest River, their opponent from the first round.

The Spartans, who were still licking their wounds from Tuesday’s loss, were eager to even the score as they took the court in Bonners Ferry on Friday.

The Badgers were not to be stopped, however, and even though they lost the first set 23-25, Bonners Ferry went on to win the next three sets handily: 25-15, 25-14 and 25-17. Wenk had an outstanding game with 15 kills and seven blocks. Other scoring: Bateman with 18 assists, Bennett with 22 digs, Pluid with four blocks and Olsen with four aces.

Coach Kendra Maas called their performance against Priest River “one of the best games that the girls have played”.

“The energy was up and their play was on fire,” Maas told the Herald.

This win means the team is headed to the 3A State Championships at Madison High School in Rexburg. They will go up against Sugar-Salem in the first round of playoffs on Friday, Oct. 28.