KENNEWICK — The members of the Prairie volleyball team have HRT written in black Sharpie on their right calves. That stands for hard work and team above self.
The tradition started years ago, but pays dividends, which was reflected Saturday as the Falcons earned a fifth-place trophy at the Class 3A state volleyball tournament in Kennewick.
“From the very beginning, our goal has been to play 100 percent every time out and see where that takes us,” first-year coach Jen Palmer said.
Where it led the Falcons was the trophy round, where they beat Ferndale 25-23, 25-23, 25-18 for their second trophy in two years, and fifth since 2009.
“I’m elated,” Palmer said. “I’m so proud of all the hard work these girls put in. They showed heart and I couldn’t be more proud. I could not have asked for a better team, coaching staff and experience my time time as a head coach. It will be a hard season to beat for me.”
The Falcons looked off their game to start the match, falling behind 21-14 to the Golden Eagles.
Prairie clawed its way back into the match and trailed just 23-21 when Lainne Wilkins went to the service line, where she served the final four points of the set.
The tables were turned in the second set, where the Falcons held the lead from the start until Ferndale knotted the score 13-13. From that point, there were 10 ties, last the last being at 23-23. Prairie finished the set with a pair of kills by Zoe McBride, who finished the match with 12 kills and 17 digs.
Ferndale wasn’t ready to throw in the towel. The Golden Eagles stormed out to an 11-5 lead in the third set, and led 17-13 before McBride reeled off seven consecutive points to give her team a 20-17 lead they would not relinquish.
Abby Brotherton had the match-winning hit for the Falcons, putting the ball of a Ferndale block.
“This is really amazing,” Brotherton said. “My emotions are so high right now. This team means so much to me.”
Brotherton finished with 12 kills, while Megan Hammes had 16 digs, Wilkins 39 assts and Katie Vroman six kills and three blocks.
To reach the trophy match, the Falcons beat Stanwood 25-15, 25-20, 25-16, getting 15 kills and 12 digs from McBride. McBride had two kills down the stretch, and a kill by Sophia Carter sealed the win.
“We were quicker to bounce back after a mistake today,” Palmer said. “We came out strong and with confidence.”
Wilkins added 29 assists and seven digs, Brotherton seven kills, four blocks and five ace serves.
Molly Packer had 15 digs.
