Beyond the Banner: Pullman Volleyball's State-Bound Odyssey

Well, in sports, sometimes the path to glory takes a few unexpected turns, doesn't it? And for the Pullman High School volleyball team, their recent District 2A championship match against rival Clarkston was, you could say, a bit of a mixed bag — a tough loss, yes, but oh, what a significant silver lining came with it. Because even after falling short in three sets, the Greyhounds, those spirited athletes, had already punched their ticket to the 2A state tournament. Quite the relief, in truth, after a hard-fought battle.

The scores, for the record, read 25-23, 25-15, 25-21, a clean sweep for the Clarkston Bantams. And honestly, they played a formidable game, securing their second consecutive district crown. But for Pullman, the sting of that particular defeat was somewhat softened, knowing their season wasn't ending there. They had, through their consistent performance throughout the season, earned the right to keep playing, to compete on the biggest stage.

It was a match that truly showcased some individual brilliance, too. Margot Stafford, for instance, delivered a powerful performance, racking up 13 kills and digging out 11 balls — a testament to her all-around game. Then there was Maya Carper, another force at the net, adding 12 kills to the tally. And you can’t overlook the playmaking; Natalie Bafus was consistently setting up her teammates, dishing out 24 assists, while Savannah Van Leuven was a rock in the back row, snatching up 16 crucial digs. These are the kinds of efforts that, even in defeat, promise so much for what's ahead.

Last year, let's not forget, the Greyhounds finished an impressive fifth at the state tournament. So, they know this arena; they understand the pressure, the excitement. This year, they'll head to Yakima with a fresh perspective, a chance to rebound, to prove themselves again. Their first challenge? A showdown against Columbia River, a team that will no doubt test their mettle right from the start. But if there’s one thing this Pullman squad has demonstrated, it’s resilience. And that, my friends, is a quality that travels well, especially to a state championship.