Team celebrating a kill, Photos by Joe Prax
This weekend the Lady Bucs competed at the 2024 ASAA 3A State Championships. The girls started the week having to leave a day early due to the storm that hit. They are a resilient team and it did not affect them only getting one practice before leaving for State. To kick off the tournament Valdez played the Sitka Wolves Thursday morning in a tough match going to 5. The girls fought hard winning 3-2 and moved into the quarter finals against Kenai that same night. This was a tough match with the girls losing 1-3.
Destiny Day with a Pass
On Friday, they had to start their journey up through the losers bracket by playing Barrow and quickly winning 3-0. That night we had to face Sitka again in another elimination game. The girls fought hard again overcoming the Wolves 3-1. This put us in the final elimination game that would lead to the winners facing Kenai in the championship Saturday afternoon. The girls played Nikiski Saturday morning in a great match winning 3-1. This put us back in the championship for the 3rd year in a row to face Kenai yet again.
Lola Compehos with a Dig
The Championship match was tough with sets going back and forth with both teams going on long runs and some of the best 3A volleyball I’ve seen played. The girls fought hard but were defeated by Kenai 3-1 and took second place for the 2023 season. I am so beyond proud of this team and all that they have overcome and accomplished this year. Seniors Momoe Togagae, Isabella Smelcer, and Marcedes Taylor will be missed next season but I am excited to see what they do. I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the team comeback next year and fight to take that state title.
Moe Togague
2023 3A Best Setter- Destiny Day
2023 3A Best Server- Momoe Togage
2023 3A All-Tournament- Momoe Togagae and Destiny Day
State Matches and Player of the Game
VS Sitka (3-2)- Kelli Malcuit
VS Kenai (1-3)- Momoe Togagae
VS Barrow (3-0)- Lola Compehos
VS Sitka (3-1)- Bella Smelcer
VS Nikiski (3-1)- Destiny Day
VS Kenai (1-3)- Momoe Togagae