What a season it was for the Cashmere High School volleyball team. The Bulldogs finished the season with a 22-3 record, with all three losses coming to the defending 6-time state champions, the Chelan Goats.
Regular Season
The Bulldogs had a phenomenal regular season, finishing 17-1. They dominated the SCAC, finishing 16-0 in league play, and they were crowned the SCAC league champions. The Bulldogs also took a trip down to the Sundome in early September, where they competed in the Yakima Valley Sundome Volleyball festival. They dominated every set they played, crowning themselves as the champions of the tournament.
District Tournament
The Bulldogs’ phenomenal regular season earned them the #2 seed in the District 5 tournament. They cruised through the first two rounds, clinching a spot in the district title match at Wenatchee High School. The Bulldogs faced a familiar foe, the Chelan Goats. Despite the battle between the two teams, the Goats still dominated the court and won the district title by a score of 3-1.
State Tournament
The Bulldogs earned the #5 seed in the Class 1A state tournament at the Yakima Valley Sundome. Their first matchup was against the Omak Pioneers. The Bulldogs made quick work of them, sweeping them in three quick sets. Later that night, the Bulldogs took on the #4-ranked Lynden Christian Lyncs in the state quarterfinal. This game was a battle. The Bulldogs won set 1, but the Lyncs bounced back to win sets 2 and 3. The Bulldogs were facing elimination but made a comeback to win sets 4 and 5, and they would clinch their first-ever state semifinal. But they weren’t done there. The Bulldogs had to play the #1-ranked team in the state for the third time this season, the Chelan Goats. This was the best volleyball game one could ask for.
Semifinal Matchup
The game started at 9 am, and the Bulldogs caught the Goats sleeping in set 1 with a 25-22 victory. The Goats quickly bounced back, winning sets 2 and 3. But the Bulldogs didn’t back down, and they came back and won set 4. Setting up a first-to-15 matchup in set 5. With the whole crowd on their feet, both teams made a great run, but the Goats outdid the Bulldogs, taking a 15-9 set 5 victory. Despite the loss, the Bulldogs were led by junior SCAC player of the year Macie Smart. Smart tallied 29 kills, and she was a perfect 16-16 from the service line. Smart also had 12 digs. Fellow Junior Cali Diaz dished out 52 assists.
Bulldogs Clinch 3rd Place
The Bulldogs then went on to play the La Center Wildcats for the 3rd Place game in the Class 1A state tournament. The Bulldogs didn’t shy away from the challenge, and they absolutely dominated, winning the game in straight sets 3-0, clinching their best state finish in school history. The Bulldogs were once again led by Smart and Diaz.
Returning Talent
Despite the heartbreaking end to the season, the Bulldogs have a lot to be excited about. The Bulldogs graduated 2 seniors who both played major roles in the state tournament: Hazel Schade and Freya Dronen. Although the Bulldogs have some major talent returning, they will look to match the run they made this year. A couple of returners are Macie Smart, Cali Diaz, Taylor Kunz, Mandy Barba, Faith Courtney, and Teagan Kerns. The Bulldogs will be a very strong team next season, and the town of Cashmere should be ready to go for next fall!!
