ROCHESTER — The arrow was only going to point up for the Rochester High School volleyball program. After a winless season in 2024, it couldn’t have gotten any worse.
Yet the possibility of qualifying for the Class 1A District 4 tournament? Second-year head coach Courtney Baird didn’t think it was an outlandish goal.
“I thought it was a possibility if we worked hard,” she said. “ I have just really pushed them during the season. No one wants to go winless, it’s just not fun. I am proud of what they’ve been able to do.”
Two league victories over Elma gave the Warriors the fourth and final slot into districts and will face Columbia White Salmon on Saturday in the lone pigtail match in White Salmon. It’s the first time Rochester will be in districts since 2018.
Senior night has been the end of its season routinely. Even though Hoquiam spoiled Tuesday’s festivities with a 25-18, 25-15, 25-16 Evergreen League sweep, nothing could wipe the smile off Addi Morgan’s face knowing she’s got another volleyball game.
She’s been to the postseason in basketball and softball. Alongside Hannah Blackburn and Auna Rayburn, they finally get the postseason taste in the fall.
“It is a new experience,” Morgan said. “We’re going to be confident and see what happens.”
Last year’s group had plenty of senior leadership and were built on all-around athleticism, but Baird and Morgan knew this season would feature more girls that love volleyball. Case in point, match one back in September.
Defeating Eatonville in four sets was the “eye-opener.” Upending former league rival W.F. West in five was the turning point.
“That one was a big moment for us,” Baird said. “We would never finish them out. When we play together, we can win games.”
What made the win over the Bearcats more impressive was 24 hours earlier, Rochester got its doors blown off against Centralia in three sets.
“You got to come together, you can’t play for yourself," Morgan said. “It built a lot more confidence. Got to move on to the next one.”
The Warriors led for stretches in all three sets Tuesday. They jumped out to a 17-14 cushion in the opener, only to see it vanquished via nine straight from Hoquiam. Lexi Dupont, in her first game back from an injury, led the way with five kills, four blocks and three aces.
Charlie Culp distributed 11 assists and Jessanie Quarles posted 12 digs.
“Even her attitude is underrated; that’s what I think is the best about Lexi,” Morgan said of Dupont’s return.
Baird never got the chance in her prep career to be in the playoffs. All of the years being in 2A dampened any further matches, but in year two back in 1A, the Warriors are more than amped for a one game match to get into the double elimination part of the bracket.
To them, they have nothing to lose.
“I’m hoping we come out hard,” Baird stated. “We’re coming in as the underdogs.”
