Chelan Goats are 1A Volleyball State Champions for the Sixth Straight Time!
By Dennis Rahm, photos courtesy Jenna Rahm
Tournament at a Glance
- Opening match, Nov. 14 at 10:45 am: Chelan vs The Bear Creek (3-0 Chelan)
- Quarter-final, Nov. 14 at 4:15 pm: Chelan vs Kalama (3-0 Chelan)
- Semi-final, Nov. 15 at 9 am: Chelan vs. Cashmere (3-2 Chelan)
- State Championship, Nov. 15 at 6:15 pm: Chelan vs Meridian (3-0 Chelan)
Keep scrolling to find photos, broadcast recordings and match recaps!
Championship Match Recap: Chelan vs Meridian
Chelan Captures Their Sixth Straight State Title!
The Chelan Goats swept the Meridian Trojans 3-0 to bring home the state championship trophy yet again! Chelan has made WIAA state tournament history by winning their sixth championship in a row. No other Washington State school at any level has put together a run of six consecutive titles.
The match started with a special announcement of the team lineups, where the lights were dimmed and fog cannons used to create extra dramatic effect. The Goats had the upper hand throughout the match, and won the sets by 25-15, 25-12 and 25-17.
Chants from the Chelan crowd of “MVP” rang out through the Sun Dome every time senior Brynn Hughbanks tallied another scorching hit at the net. Juniors Esther Petersen, Gracelyn Roberts and Alison Horner all delivered hits of their own, as junior setter Brooklyn Foyle spread the ball around to a variety of her teammates. Senior Gracie Gilsoul sent her specialty laser serves over to Meridian, and dug out return balls from the back row to set up her teammates’ scoring hits. And Freshman Jayzee Hughbanks played blanket-coverage defense for the team as the libero.
Listen back to the live broadcast of the state title match with Dennis Rahm and Desiree Phelps, including interviews with seniors Brynn Hughbanks and Marley Williams.
Congratulations Goats!
Match 3 Recap: Chelan vs Cashmere
Chelan Wins After District Rivals Battle to Five Sets in the Semi-final
The undefeated Goats will defend their title at 6:15 Saturday night as the take on the Meridian Trojans on center court at the Sun Dome in Yakima. Meridian defeated La Center 3-1 to advance to the championship against Chelan.
Listen live to the broadcast of the match on LakeChelanNow!
Match 2 Recap: Chelan vs Kalama
Goats Headed to a Semi-final Matchup with Familiar Opponent After Sweep of Kalama
At the adjacent court, Cashmere faced off with Lynden Christian in an exciting five-set match which Cashmere ultimately won 3-2. Chelan will play Saturday morning at 9 am in the semi-finals against Cashmere. The Goats and Bulldogs have already played twice this season, with Chelan capturing both matches. Saturday’s other semi-final match will find the Meridian Trojans taking on the La Center Wildcats. The semi final winners will then play the State Championship match at 6:15 Saturday night at the SunDome. The losing teams play at 2:30 pm for third and fourth place.
Listen live to the broadcast of the match on LakeChelanNow!
Match 1 Recap: Chelan vs The Bear Creek
The Goats Sweep the Grizzlies in the Opening Match of Tournament Play
Chelan had little resistance in sweeping The Bear Creek 3-0 in the opening round of the tournament in Yakima this morning.
The Lady Goats prevailed by scores of 25-17, 25-7 and 25-15. Excellent setting by Brooklyn Foyle (junior) and the power hitting of Brynn Hughbanks (senior) solidified the win for Chelan. Esther Petersen (junior) had several key blocks and powerful hits from the middle blocker position. And freshman libero Jayzee Hughbanks made her state tourney debut with effective back-line play.
The win propels Chelan into a quarter final matchup at 4:15 pm against #8 seed Kalama. The Chinooks defeated Kings 3-1 to earn a shot at the top-seeded Goats. The other quarter final in the bottom half of the bracket with Chelan will pit Cashmere against Lynden Christian.
Thank you LakeChelanNow State Volleyball Sponsors for making this tournament coverage possible!
