The stage is set for Saturday night at Wenatchee High School, where the Cashmere Bulldogs and the Chelan Goats will battle for the district crown. The state is on notice; these might just be the two best teams in all of 1A volleyball.
The 17-1 Cashmere Bulldogs have been phenomenal this season. Their only loss came against the Chelan Goats, who swept them at Chelan High School on September 29.
The #1 Chelan Goats are the five-time defending 1A state champions, and finished the regular season a perfect 16-0. They’re led by Florida State commit Brynn Hughbanks, who dominated the first meeting between these two teams, leading her team to a 3-0 sweep. Supporting her are three other first-team all-leaguers: senior outside hitter Marley Williams, junior setter Brooklyn Foyle, and freshman libero Jayzee Hughbanks. Chelan will look to extend its dominance even further on Saturday.
Across the net, the SCAC champion and the #3-ranked Bulldogs bring plenty of firepower of their own. They’re led by 2024 SCAC Player of the Year Macie Smart, who has been unstoppable all season and will look to shine under the bright lights. Setter Cali Diaz has also been a key part of Cashmere’s success, running a fast and balanced offense.
When asked how the Bulldogs can come out on top, junior standout Macie Smart said, ”We have to be locked in defensively, and our communication has to be on point. I think we have a good plan, and now we just have to go perform.”
The town of Cashmere is buzzing. This rematch between two powerhouse programs has all the makings of an instant classic. The Bulldogs are out to prove they belong at the top, while the Goats aim to remind everyone why they’ve been the team to beat for half a decade.
First serve flies at 5 pm Saturday at Wenatchee High School.
