Submitted by VHS Volleyball Coach
This week, the Valdez Volleyball Team competed in the postseason State Tournament. The girls entered the tournament, finally avoiding the first morning game, which was a huge win for us. Their first game was against Nome-Beltz. We had not played them this season, but they went in ready for anything. They got out their state jitters, and the whole team saw the floor before beating them 3-0. They continued on the winners’ side of the bracket to play Kenai in the quarter finals. This was a tough match with Valdez starting strong and taking the first two sets. Kenai came back, and it was a battle each point with both teams doing whatever they could to try and take the lead. The girls fought hard but fell just short in the 5th set to Kenai.
Friday, the girls had to start the long trip, working their way through the losers’ bracket. They started off playing Barrow, whom we’ve split with during the season. They were tough, and both teams played great, but Valdez was able to knock them out after winning the 5th set. With just 4 teams remaining in the tournament, our next game that night was against Monroe, who we beat in our Conference Championship the week before. This was a great game and displayed the talent that the Aurora Conference has. Monroe scraped by taking the first set. Valdez regrouped and showed their composure and experience at state by taking the next 3 and knocking out Monroe. This put us playing Nikiski Saturday morning in the semi-finals.
Saturday was full of emotion, and the girls gave it their all. They took the first set with ease. The next two sets, we struggled to adjust to Nikiski’s renewed energy and offensive play. We came back, taking the 4th set. In the fifth set, Nikiski got an early lead, and we fought hard to come back, making it a close game. In the end, Nikiski won that set 15-13 and moved on to the Championship. The girls played amazingly and took 3rd overall. They had an amazing season this year and accomplished so much. We are so beyond proud of them and will miss the seniors, but we are excited to see how the team continues to grow and make a statement in Alaska Volleyball.
3A 2025 Best Setter: Destiny Day
All-State Team: Destiny Day, Lola Compehos
Final Scores/Player of the Game
VS Nome-Beltz 3-0: 25-22, 25-22, 25-22
POG: Lola Compehos
VS Kenai Central 2-3: 25-12, 25-17, 22-25,20-25, 11-15
POG: Elaine Gilson
VS Barrow 3-2: 25-19, 25-22, 23-25, 21-25, 15-11
POG: Lola Compehos
VS Monroe 3-1: 23-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-23
POG: Rylee Wade
VS Nikiski 2-3: 25-20, 15-25, 21-25, 25-20, 13-15
POG: Destiny Day