Sports - High Schools

POSTED: Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008

PREP VOLLEYBALL: Lynden knows this is its last chance to claim state title

LYNDEN - When the Lynden volleyball team opens the Class 2A State Tournament on Friday, Nov. 21, in Kennewick, it shouldn't have too look very far for some extra motivation.

A year after watching a spot in the state championship match slip away in five sets the Lions are back at the same facility with the same expectations of a winning a state title. This time, though, there won't be any second chances.

"We had a taste of it last year," senior Averyl Shindruk said. "We don't want to let go of it this year. We just want to finish strong."

Whether that leads to a state title will have to be seen. What is clear is that the Lions have the talent to win it all. With just one loss this season, Lynden is on the short list of favorites to contend for the championship.

"This is what a lot of us have been working toward for three years," senior Jill Toronchuk said. "We've had a great season, we have a lot to be thankful for so far, but this is the last season for a lot of us. We want to do our best."

Lynden (16-1) spent several weeks ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 2A by the Washington State Volleyball Coaches Association and head to state ranked No. 6. If it wasn't for a loss to Burlington-Edison at the Northwest District tournament last week the Lions would likely be the top-ranked team heading into the tournament.

"We'd rather have that loss now then at the state tournament," Toronchuk said. "I think everyone on this team came out of that with some positives. We knew we had to work on some things, and that showed us what they were."

Leading the way for Lynden is senior outside hitter Jessi Roberts. She's one of the most explosive volleyball players in the state in any classification and recently signed a letter of intent to play for Oregon State next season.

But Roberts is hardly alone. The Lions also are strong in the middle with Shindruk and Toronchuk bringing a very good block and the ability to attack. Another senior, outside hitter Hannah Swanson, is second on the team in kills behind Roberts. Sophomore Hannah Shine provides another option on the outside. Senior Brandi Benner is the defensive leader, while getting the ball to all of Lynden attackers is senior setter Alayna Kramme.

"We're always trying to get all of the hitters involved," Toronchuk said. "To have a strong offense you can't just rely on one hitter alone. When you have all your options and everything is working for you that's when you're most powerful."

That's also why the Lions should be considered a favorite to win a title on Saturday, Nov. 22. With a large cast of supporting players ready to take some of the load off of Roberts, the Lions should always have an option to get the ball down.

"The important part is that we all need to be more involved in our offense, because the teams we're playing know they have to look out for Jessi," Shindruk said. "We have to provide another option and make teams look out for us."

Lynden also has to learn from its past experiences at the state tournament.

"We have a lot of fire," Toronchuk said. "We were so close last year and wanted it so bad. We know it's not going to be easy, but I think we're better at finishing games. We're more confident this time."

Reach Joe Sunnen at joe.sunnen@bellinghamherald.com or 756-2862.