Cheney volleyball crew falls out in two at Ellensburg state championships

ELLENSBURG - After coming back at the end of the regular season to land a spot in the state championships, the Lady Blackhawks were eliminated in two matches last week to end the 2019 season.

"Heading to the state tournament was a great accomplishment for this team," head coach Heather Zorrozua said. "It is a big deal getting there and the excitement and hype of this experience seemed to get the best of us."

Cheney first faced the formidable Northwest League's Burlington-Edison on Friday, Nov. 15. The Tigers arrived in Nicholson Pavilion at Central Washington University with a 26-5-0 overall record, and promptly beat the Blackhawks in three straight sets 25-10, 25-16, and 25-15.

Senior Shelby Draper logged seven kills, one block and eight digs. Junior Sara Graham had 16 assists, eight digs and one ace. Junior Avery Stark recorded one block and one ace. Senior Abby Witt had one block and junior Hope Schneider had one ace.

Cheney then moved on to a consolation round the same day against the Greater St. Helens League's Columbia River Chieftains, who entered the tournament off a 19-7 overall regular season. But the Blackhawks were again unable to bring the juice to the court, losing in three straight sets 25-17, 25-13, and 25-18.

Draper stepped up in her final prep match with eight kills, one block, eight digs and an ace against the Chieftains. Graham logged 16 assists, eight digs, one block and one ace. Stark recorded one block and one ace. Witt logged one block and Schneider one ace.

Zorrozua remained optimistic for the team heading into the future, despite the loss of four seniors to graduation in the spring.

"The team has continued to help lay the foundation of Cheney volleyball and what we are building in regard to this program," she said. "I truly believe the more we can get here, the more relaxed our girls will play."

Seniors Witt, Draper, Alyssa Larson, and Abby Fillmore will be tough shoes for underclassmen to fill as Cheney makes the move to the Greater Spokane League next season that will provide "less travel and different competition," Zorrozua said.

"I am excited to not play teams three times, but get more of a variety during the season," she said. "I think we will fare well next year."

Returning "solid" players include Avery Stark, Sara Graham, and Hope Schneider, according to Zorrozua.

"Although losing some height in the middle, we will work to rebuild and maintain our competitive nature," she said.

The Lady Blackhawks went 7-5 in the Great Northern League and 15-9 overall during the regular season, before beating Prosser three sets to one, on Saturday, Nov. 9 to advance to the state 2A championships.

Lee Hughes can be reached at lee@cheneyfreepress.com.