Wildcats advance to State 3A volleyball tourney

For the fifth year in a row, the Mt. Spokane volleyball team is headed to the Washington State 3A tournament.

The Wildcats ended up with the No. 2 seed after a 25-21, 25-19, 25-18 loss to West Valley (Yakima) in the 3A regional tournament Saturday in Yakima.

Ixchelle Oleson had nine kills, 12 digs and two aces to lead the Wildcats.

It was a win over Kennewick earlier Saturday that secured Mt. Spokane’s playoff spot.

The Wildcats made quick work of Lions in the earlier match, sweeping for a 26-24, 25-19, 25-20 victory.

Oleson had eight kills and Paiton Larson handed out 24 assists to guide Mt. Spokane. Kennadie Lute added seven kills and 11 digs and Brooke Reilly chipped in seven kills for the Wildcats.

Mt. Spokane has been within striking distance of a state title the past two years.

The Wildcats beat Kennedy in the consolation finals last year and fell to Bishop Blanchet in the title match in 2009.