Cheney volleyball players celebrate a point during the Feb. 18 match with visiting Mt. Spokane. The match was the Blackhawks first high school sporting event since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown activities last March, and first in the school's return to the 3A classification.
CHENEY - Having over a year off and moving up a classification was going to be challenge enough for the Blackhawks volleyball program.
Throw in having to face the reigning 3A state player of the year and defending state champions in their first match of the delayed season, and it was a bit too much for head coach Heather Zorrazua's squad as Cheney fell 3-1 to visiting Mt. Spokane and Tia Allen last Thursday, Feb. 18.
The Wildcats opened by winning the first two games, 25-12 and 25-13 before Cheney found its footing, battling to a 25-22 win in a back-and-forth game three. In game four, Cheney enjoyed a lead and chance to even the match, but it was not to be as the Wildcats rallied for a 25-21 win.
Avery Stark led Cheney with seven kills and five blocks in their return to the 3A classification.
The Blackhawks continued their Greater Spokane League non-league schedule this week, traveling to Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane on Tuesday, Feb. 23, and returning home to host Central Valley today (Thursday), Feb. 25. Both the Tigers and Bears are 4A classification, with LC opening with a 3-2 win over 3A University and CV falling 3-0 to fellow 4A Gonzaga Prep, both matches on Feb. 18.
Cheney opens league play at home against University, March 2.
John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.
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