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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Elissa Ross Ferris Year: Junior Sport: Volleyball Position: Middle Blocker

Ferris played its final volleyball game of the season without Elissa Ross.

Without Ross, however, Ferris’ final game might have come earlier.

Ross totaled 99 kills and 66 digs during the postseason, helping the Saxons to district and regional titles, and moving them into the championship match at last weekend’s State 4A tournament. Her hitting percentage was .329 for 12 playoff matches.

Ross sprained her ankle at 0-0 in the third and deciding game. Her night ended prematurely, with 12 kills in two games, but the Saxons held on for their first title.

“She probably would have had 18-20 kills in the match,” said Ferris coach Stacey Ward. “She was incredible through the whole thing.

“She’s one of those kids who, if it were possible, would have been back in there.”

“I was just frustrated, but still excited,” Ross said of the postmatch celebration.

Heavily taped and staying off her feet, Ross joined teammate Julie Weatherred the following morning to help conduct tryouts for a club volleyball team.

Ross and Weatherred will be the top returners when the 1998 Saxons aim for a third consecutive Greater Spokane League title.

“I think it will be different, but we’ll still be strong,” Ross said.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo