In its highest stakes match of the season, the Pe Ell volleyball team came out a little nervous against 1B power Naselle, losing in a sweep (25-3, 25-9, 25-11) Thursday night in the district semifinals.
“We haven’t been in a game with these stakes before,” Trojans coach Hollie Briggs said. “We were really nervous, and Naselle is really good.”
The Trojans had a tough night passing, playing on their heels for most of the match in the loss. Kennedy Kephart was a perfect 24 for 24 setting, with no errors, with three assists. Alli Engel led the way with four kills, and Briggs commended the play of senior outside hitter Abby Cox for her play at the net, where she had six touches.
The Trojans will now play in the third-place game against rival Willapa Valley with a spot at state on the line, Saturday at 2 p.m. in Winlock. Pe Ell has yet to beat its rival this season.
“It’s going to take all of us as a team,” Briggs said.
