Clash of volleyball champions

After the defending district and league champions in volleyball clashed on Sept. 28 at Prairie High School, Camas is still undefeated.

The Papermakers overwhelmed the Falcons 25-18 in set one and 25-16 in set two. After Prairie rallied back 25-21 in set three, the critical fourth set became an all out war between the two rivals.

The Falcons came out firing for a 12-6 advantage, before the Papermakers fought back within two points twice. Prairie’s lead dropped to 17-15, rose up to 19-15 on a kill and an ace, and dipped back down to 20-18. Suddenly, the score was tied at 20-20.

“Prairie had the momentum, but this team has heart,” said Camas head coach Julie Nidick. “It came down to who wants it more? Who has the heart to push though the adversity? It’s amazing what our girls can accomplish when they pull together as a team of 12.”

A block at the net by Syndey Trammell and Marleen de Zoete gave Camas a 21-20 lead, but the Falcons tied it up. De Zoete dunked the ball one Prairie on more time, and again the Falcons got even.

Brindl Langley delivered a critical point for the Papermakers. Langley and Trammell also teamed up on a block to award Camas match point.

An anxious, exhausted and adrenaline kicked Stefani Sorensen stepped up to serve. She rocked back and fired, the ball trickled over the net and bounced off the hardwood just before a Falcon hit it up in the air. Game, set, match Papermakers by the score of 25-22.

“I was just standing there in awe,” Sorensen said. “After both teams had battled so hard, I couldn’t believe we had just won it all with an ace. It was amazing.”

Langley ignited the offense with 12 digs, 8 kills, 6 aces and 2 blocks, and de Zoete fueled the fire with 35 assists, 18 digs, 7 kills and 3 aces. McKenzie Elliott earned 7 digs and 3 aces, and Joy Richter added 11 digs.

Sydney Schwartz and Trammell filled in admirably for an injured Kelsy Benton. Schwartz had 13 service points and 8 kills, and Trammell delivered 5 kills and 5 blocks.

“I’m really impressed with both Sydneys,” de Zoete said. “They were both battling hard, and blocking everything.”

Sorensen racked up 18 digs and 13 kills, but she would never forget serving a match-winning ace.

“What I’ll remember most is the feeling after it was all over,” she said.

“It just hits you that you beat Prairie on their court,” de Zoete said. “It doesn’t get much better than that in league.”

“That feeling will always be there,” Sorensen said.

“It’s one of those things you don’t forget,” de Zoete concluded.

The Camas varsity volleyball team earned 11th at the Kent Invitational Sept. 25, at Kentwood High School. In pool play, the Papermakers beat Olympic 25-11, 25-17 and Kent-Meridian 25-20, 25-12; lost to Belermine Prep 19-25, 19-25; and tied with Mount Si 26-24, 23-25. In bracket play, Camas beat Bothell 25-19, 25-14 and Rodgers 25-14, 25-17.

Sorensen racked up 40 kills, 25 digs, 22 service points and 5 aces in the tournament; Langley added 37 service points, 28 kills, 27 digs and 15 aces; de Zoete delivered 109 assists, 29 digs, 24 service points, 7 aces and 5 blocks; Elliott earned 38 service points, 26 digs and 12 aces; Schwartz chipped in 14 kills, 13 service points, 9 digs, 6 blocks and 5 aces; Trammell netted 10 kills and 5 blocks; Brittney Gilge scored 14 digs and 13 kills; Richter earned 14 digs and Hannah Taylor had 10 digs.

The Papermaker freshmen volleyball team captured second place Saturday, at the Heritage tournament. The Camas junior varsity lost to Columbia River Saturday, in the semifinals of the Hudson’s Bay tournament.

The Papermakers play at Mountain View today, before hosting Kelso Thursday. Junior varsity and freshmen play at 5:30 p.m., followed by varsity at 7 p.m.