Photo by Joe Prax
Courtesy of VHS Volleyball Coach – This week the Lady Bucs represented Valdez for a shot at the Alaska State 3A Volleyball championship title. The competition was tough as the top eight teams descended upon the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage.
On Thursday the #4 ranked Bucs were up against the #2 ranked Nikiski Bulldogs in the first round of the double elimination tournament. Valdez came out fired up, but narrowly lost the first set in a back-and-forth battle losing 29-31. The momentum carried through as Valdez claimed sets two and three, winning 25-20 and 26-24, but the Bulldogs’ offense was slightly too much and the Bucs dropped set four 24-26, sending the match to a tie breaker fifth set. Tough serving and quick defense put the Bucs back on top in set five winning 15-11, upsetting the Bulldogs and sending them to the losers’ bracket. Player of the Match Award: Lola Compehos
Destiny Day and Kelsey Prax named to the all tournament team at State Tournament.
Photo by Joe Prax.
Later that night Valdez had to face off against the #5 ranked Seward Seahawks. After struggling with some unforced errors early in the game, the Bucs dropped the first set 21-25 but were able to dig deep and easily win the next three sets 25-17, 25-16, 25-17. This win advanced the Lady Bucs through the winners’ bracket setting them up to face the #1 ranked Kenai Kardinals. Player of the Match Award: Kelsey Prax
As the Bucs and Kards faced off on Friday night it was reminiscent of the last three state championship games featuring these two talented young teams. The Bucs had all the right pieces together and played tough, but the Kardinals’ defense managed to pick up everything Valdez sent their way. The Lady Bucs lost in three sets 17-25, 19-25, and 12-25, forcing them to the losers’ bracket set to take on Nikiski once again. Player of the Match Award: Lola Compehos.
Destiny Day and Kelsey Prax named to the all tournament team at State Tournament.
Photo by Joe Prax.
As Saturday morning began under the bright lights of the main court, the Bucs were off to a great start against the Bulldogs. Valdez added up the aces and tallied up the digs propelling themselves to a win in sets one and two, 25-19 and 25-18. Wanting to avenge their only loss in the tournament at the hands of the Bucs, the Bulldogs were not ready to give up. Despite Valdez’s successful triple blocking against Nikiski’s big hitters and string of fantastic rallies, the Bucs were not able pull out a win losing the final three sets, 20-25, 20-25, and 11-15. This secured the Lady Bucs a third-place finish at the state championships and an end to the 2024 season. Player of the Match Award: Kelsey Prax
The Bulldogs went on to beat Kenai in three sets in the championship match and won an exciting “If” game to claim the 3A title.
The Valdez team was awarded the 3A Volleyball State Championships Sportsmanship Award.
Destiny Day and Kelsey Prax named to the all tournament team at State Tournament.
Photo by Joe Prax.
Destiny Day and Kelsey Prax were selected for the All-Tournament Team based on votes from the coaches from all teams.
Raina Wells and Hali Fitka were awarded the Good Sport Award for good citizenship and sportsmanship throughout the entire season.
Congratulations on a great season. The Bucs will be back in the gym early summer 2025 gearing up for another fantastic season!
