With the 2016 Great Northern League championship already in their trophy case, the Cheney High volleyball team continued their strong season with a 3-1 road win over West Valley, Oct. 18.
It was another impressive performance for Cheney — game scores were 25-16, 25-18, 23-25, 25-21 — but the Eagles refused to go down without a fight.
“There’s just something about West Valley (that gives us trouble),” head coach Heather Zorrozua said. The Eagles are the only team to defeat Cheney this season.
“We played well in the first two sets, but the momentum shifted in the third. I’m glad we were able to come back in the fourth,” Zorrozua said.
Zorrozua added that the third set was a “great learning opportunity” for her team.
Rylie Pease led the match with 18 kills, Peyton Stark had 32 assists and Taylor Gould recorded four aces. On defense, Ally Jones had 11 digs and Marissa Peach notched four blocks.
Zorrozua noted that the team really came together and grew as a team in the second round of league play.
“Their confidence, volleyball IQ and knowledge has increased,” Zorrozua said. “They’ve figured out how to help each other when a teammate is struggling.”
Cheney (10-1 GNL, 12-1 overall) wrapped up their regular season at home Oct. 25 against third-place East Valley (6-5, 7-5). The Knights came into the contest with a three-match winning streak, but are 0-2 against the Blackhawks this season.
Before the match, seven seniors were honored for their contributions to the team.
Cheney will host the District 7 tournament, Oct. 29, and play the second-place team at approximately 4 p.m. for the championship and one of two slots to regionals.
If the Blackhawks win the district title, they will play the No. 4 ranked Central Washington Athletic Conference team at home, Nov. 5. If they lose, Cheney will travel to the No. 3-ranked CWAC team on that same day.
Leading up to East Valley and districts, Zorrozua said the team will continue to “focus on what we do to be successful” — a motto that has worked well for her players this year.
“Our next big goal is to win districts and host that crossover match,” Zorrozua said.
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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