EVERETT – The run of dominance by Seattle private schools continued at the Class 3A volleyball tournament in the Everett Events Center Saturday.
Picking up the baton passed by Seattle Prep, winner of the past three state tournaments, Bishop Blanchet High School dismantled a very strong White River team to win the state title game 3-0.
“This is so emotional and so special,” said Blanchet coach Joanne Gilligan, whose Braves won the class 2A title in 1991. “We just came into the tournament feeling we could compete with any team here and we proved that tonight.”
White River didn’t have an answer for the power displayed by Blanchet outside hitter Stephanie Agustavo and middle blocker Alicia Adiele. The Braves’ hitting and serving proved to be the difference all match in Blanchet’s 25-20, 25-19, 25-21 victory.
“We didn’t play to our expectations,” said White River coach Lenny Llanos, who with a 78-16 record as head coach of the Hornets is stepping down to spend more time with his family. “Had we passed better off serving and receiving we would’ve had a better result. But Blanchet is a great team and they deserve to win.”
Agustavo led the Braves with 13 kills, two blocks and 12 digs.
“Losing to Prosser last year (in the first round) was key,” Agustavo said. “All season we called it the ‘P’ word and it reminded us to take it one match at a time and never overlook a team again.”
Leading the way for White River was middle blocker Sara Bendorf, who had 16 kills, six blocks and three aces.
“We needed better passing,” Bendorf said. “Finishing second in state feels really good though. We showed what heart we had and Blanchet’s just a great team.”
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