Volleyball works to return to state tourney
The 2018 Bonners Ferry volleyball team. Back row from left: Avery Pluid, Kae Hilliard-Dodge, Sydney Nelson, Jerzie Pluid, Allie Weerts, Victoria Rae, Reese Lane Sierra Hill, and Rikki Cowine. Front row from left: Hannah Fasha, Maecie Liermann, Leilani Ram, Gracie Villelli, Josie Layden, Malorie McLeish, Sadie Hill, and Lexie Maas. Photos by MANDI BATEMAN
Leilani Ram and Kae Hilliard-Dodge practice serving.
Rikki Cowine, Avery Pluid, Sydney Nelson and Sierra Hill practice serving and receiving serves.
Photo by MANDI BATEMAN Malory McLiesh practicing serving during their normal drills.
Jerzie Pluid practices serving and staying on her toes.
BONNERS FERRY — The Badger volleyball team returns several players from last season’s state tournament-qualifying squad, and is working to repeat its success this fall.
Returners include seniors Maecie Liermann, Leilani Ram and Jerzie Pluid, as well as Victoria Rae.
“All newcomers will be key players,” said Coach Kendra Maas. “Every player plays an important role on our team.”
In 2017, the Badgers won the district tournament to qualify for state with fellow Intermountain League squad Timberlake. Bonners Ferry won its opener at the 3A state tournament before losing to eventual champion Sugar-Salem. Timberlake ended the Badgers’ season with a hard-fought, five-set win in the state tournament consolation bracket.
So it is no surprise that the Badgers and Tigers are among the IML teams vying for a return trip to the state tournament this year.
“We will be neck and neck with Timberlake this year again and my goal is to come out on top!” said Maas.
Maas has high hopes and is enthusiastic about the team this season.
“Practices are going great and team looks great!” she said.
Their first home game is today, Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. against Sandpoint, and their second home game will be Sept. 11, against Kellogg.