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High Schools
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Published: Saturday, November 14, 2009
Archbishop Murphy reaches 2A semifinals
Herald staff
KENNEWICK — It has been a season of firsts for the Archbishop Murphy volleyball team. After winning its first district championship last weekend, the Wildcats have added a first first-round state tournament victory and a spot in the semifinals to that list.
Archbishop Murphy won the leadoff game at the 2A state tournament Friday at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, defeating Grandview 25-12, 25-15, 25-11 in what first-year head coach Jeff Curtis could only describe as redemption. Although he was not around for last year's heartbreaking first-round loss in five games to Grandview, many of the players remembered it vividly and a victory over their nemesis felt great, Curtis said.
Seniors Savannah Fletcher (13 kills, six blocks), Rebecca Gotz (nine kills, two aces, 10 digs) and Megan Carlson (five kills, three blocks) helped lead the Wildcats to the first-round win.
Match two against West Valley (Spokane) proved to be a little more of a challenge as Archbishop Murphy lost the first game before rallying to win the next four (16-25, 25-16, 25-14, 25-18).
“Though we dropped the first game, the girls never felt a sense of urgency,” said Curtis. “We played phenomenal defense.”
Leading the defense was Fletcher with four blocks. Gotz added 16 kills, three aces and two blocks and junior Danielle Baehm had 46 assists, four aces and two kills.
Baehm and Gotz were recognized with the sportsmanship award by the officials thanks to their “great sportsmanship quality,” said Curtis.
“These were great games to be a part of,” said Curtis. “The girls have worked hard. It's all about them.”
Archbishop Murphy plays Fife in a semifinal match at 2 p.m. today.
4A Day 2
Jackson (18-4) finished in eighth place after losing 3-0 (25-17, 25-22, 27-25) to Issaquah in the fifth-place match. Pre-tournament favorite Mead won the state title 3-2 over Curtis.
3A Day 1
Meadowdale opened with a 3-1 (21-25, 25-19, 25-21, 25-20) win over Columbia River. The Mavericks were playing Bishop Blanchet in a quarterfinal match when The Herald went to press. Prairie sent Everett (11-8) into consolation play with a 3-1 (25-22, 22-25, 25-14, 25-14) first-round win. The Seagulls play Peninsula in a loser-out match this morning.
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