The Mount Si Wildcats’ volleyball team went to the state tournament at the Toyota Center in Kennewick looking to do two things: play strong, consistent volleyball and simply have fun. They did both and as a result, the Wildcat volleyball program had one of its most memorable days ever as they brought home a trophy.

Play opened last Friday with the first Mount Si state tournament volleyball match in 13 years against a very good Hanford Falcons squad that had the advantage of playing in their backyard in front of their home fans. The school is located in nearby Richland, only about a 10-minute drive from the Toyota Center.

The Wildcats gave it their best efforts, but it was Hanford who came out on top in four games. Scores were 27-25, 25-13, 23-25 and 25-19.

“We’ve had a history of going out in the first round the last couple of years, so this is big for us, ” said Falcons’ coach Hugh Harris, as his team used the home cooking to their advantage in this one to grab their first state tournament match win since 1987. Hanford went on to win the 3A state title Saturday night, beating Auburn Riverside.

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