Things are a little different than the last time the Everett Seagulls were in a state volleyball tournament.
For one, they are no longer a 4A squad, having been moved down a classification to 3A this year.
Secondly, the tournament is no longer in their hometown, having been moved to the Toyota Center in Kennewick after three consecutive years at the Everett Events Center.
What hasn’t changed for the Seagulls is that they are still coached by Heather Burglund and they still rely on strong leadership, good serving and tough defense.
Two of those leaders, seniors Maureen Frauenholtz and Hayley Taylor, were sophomores when the Seagulls made their last trip to state as a 4A team in 2004 and return as seniors of a solid Everett squad.
“We’ve got eight seniors and lots of leadership,” Burglund said.
The Seagulls (11-6) went under the radar this season having played in a Wesco North league dominated by 4A teams and good volleyball.
Everett finished third in a league that will be sending two teams, Monroe and Marysville-Pilchuck, to the 4A state tournament.
“Most definitely it helps when you are playing top teams like Monroe, and Marysville-Pilchuck, that are going to compete in the 4A tournament. It gives you and idea on where you stand,” Burglund said.
Everett enters the 3A tournament red-hot winning five straight, including three in the District 1 tournament.
The Seagulls knocked off previously undefeated Shorecrest (17-1) in the 3A District 1 championship game, defeating the Scots in five games.
Frauenholtz had 54 kills in the 3A tournament; Erika Hornyak added 38 kills and Taylor had six blocks. As a team the Seagulls had 37 aces in three matches, 14 by Frauenholtz.
“We had a great run. The kids really rose to the occasion,” Burglund said.
Everett faces Camas in a 1:30 p.m. match this afternoon. Camas is making its third straight state appearance but has not placed in the past two years.
Shorecrest will face Issaquah, a third place finisher at last year’s tournament at 8 a.m. The Scots are making their fifth straight appearance, finishing fourth in 2004.
Here is a look at other local teams that will be competing in the state tournament. The 3A and 4A tournaments will be held today and tomorrow at the Toyota Center in Kennewick. The 2A and 1A tournaments are at the Yakima Sun Dome in Yakima.
Class 4A
Kamiak Knights: Kamiak (14-3) is the 4A District 1 champions and enter the state tournament with an impressive 11 match winning streak. In those 11 matches they’ve lost just four games going 33-4. The Knights reached the state tournament for the first time since they had back-to-back appearances in 1999 and 2000. They are led by 6-foot-3 senior Nicole Bozek, junior Julia Church and Melissa Fredericks. Kamiak plays at 8 a.m. today against Bellarmine Prep.
Monroe Bearcats: The Bearcats (15-2) were the District 1 runner-up. They lost just twice this season, both times to Kamiak. Monroe is making its second straight state appearance and relies on their heavy hitters, sophomore Kylin Munoz and junior Kelsey Brennan (10 kills per match, 4 blocks per match). A young team, the Bearcats get the daunting task of facing Mead in the first round at 11:45 a.m. today. Mead has won four state titles, including the past three 4A titles.
Marysville-Pilchuck Tomahawks: M-P (13-5) is making its 11th state appearance and faces a Lewis &Clark (15-2) team that placed fifth last season and is making its 13th trip to state. The Tomahawks began the season 0-3 before winning 10 of their next 11. They are led by seniors Nancy Couls, Laura DeGerness and Ashley Kehler.
Class 2A
Archbishop Murphy Wildcats: The Wildcats (14-4) earned their first trip to state after finishing second in the 2A District 1 tournament. Murphy will face Tumwater, who is making their 13th state appearance, at 10:45 a.m. The Wildcats are led by junior setter Patti Reeves (Cascade Conference-leading 405 assists), sophomore Rachel Shober and senior captain and Western Washington University-bound Allie Gotz (175 digs).
Class 1A
King’s Knights: The Knights (14-0) enter the state tournament undefeated and looking to improve on last year’s fifth place finish. King’s has been to the past three state tournaments with its best finish being a third-place trophy in 2004. The Knights are led by outside hitter’s Kailey Trautmann (Cascade Conference-leading 180 kills) and Kimberly Mayhle (106 kills, 101 digs). Trautmann also led the team with 45 aces and 132 digs. The Knights face LaCenter at 12:30 p.m. today.
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