The Dalles Riverhawks finish second in state in 4A volleyball

THE DALLES — The Tri-Valley Conference champion The Dalles High Riverhawks capped one of their finest seasons in volleyball by taking second place in the Class 4A state tournament Nov. 7-8 at Marshfield High School in Coos Bay.

The No. 7-ranked Riverhawks (18-6) won two-of-three matches at state, including a Nov. 7 quarterfinal contest, 3-0, over the defending state champion and No. 2-ranked Marshfield High Pirates (15-9). The Riverhawks followed by winning, 3-0, in the semifinals over the No. 6-ranked Skyline Conference champion Henley High Hornets (23-4). No. 1-ranked Sky Em League champion Marist Catholic beat The Dalles in the final, 3-0.

Marist (25-1) won its second title in three years.

The Riverhawks, guided by third-year Coach Teresa Morris, earned the second-place trophy, which represents their best finish since 1989 when The Dalles won the Class 2A state title.

“It was an amazing accomplishment for our team for sure,” said Morris. “We went into the tourney ranked seventh and we came out ranked second. We went there hoping to place higher than we did last year (fourth). We ended up second, so we definitely exceeded the goal that we had for the season.”

The two impressive state tournament wins for the Riverhawks marked a total of 12 sweeps for them this year. It was also the fourth consecutive year that the Riverhawks reached the state tourney quarterfinals.

“Everyone on our team got along so very well together and I think that’s the biggest reason that we enjoyed so much success this year for sure,” said Morris. “They definitely surpassed my expectations for our team this season.

“We peaked at the right time, and I couldn’t be more proud of the team for what they accomplished this year.”

In their first matchup versus Marshfield, the Riverhawks were playing a team they faced in an Oct. 18 nonleague tournament — which resulted in a 2-1 Pirate win. The Riverhawks won the rematch, 32-30, 25-22, 25-22.  Following their 25-13, 25-20, 25-23 Nov. 7 semifinal win over Henley, the Riverhawks rested up to face the tough Spartans in the final but lost 25-15, 25-10, 25-20.

“Marist is a very strong team, and I just wish that we could’ve come out and played a little bit better, but it just wasn’t our day,” said Morris. “They [Spartans] are a very good team.”

The state tournament marked the final games of the careers of Riverhawk seniors Cleo Corbin, Camila Beltran, Aspyn Rubio, Caitlynn Gatton, Noraya Gallegos, and Adisyn Gunter.

“This was a pretty great and a very special group of seniors who were all very good friends and it’s going to be tough without them next year,” said Morris. “They were not just teammates, but they all showed very good leadership. We had a lot of fun at the tournament, too. … It’s not just all about volleyball. It’s about being good teammates and making memories together that they’ll always remember.”

The Dalles sophomore outside hitter Jazlynn Morris-Holmes earned a unanimous selection to the all-state tournament first team. Corbin, a middle blocker, earned an all-state tournament second team award.