YAKIMA — Quilcene will attempt to earn a third consecutive state volleyball trophy at the 1B state tournament this weekend.
The two-day, double-elimination tournament runs today and Saturday at the Yakima Valley SunDome.
Coach Joni Crowell and the Rangers have established themselves as one of the top teams in the classification in recent years, having claimed eighth place at the 2013 state tournament and sixth place last year.
They are one of three North Olympic Peninsula teams, Neah Bay and Sequim are the others, to make the state tournament this season.
Quilcene (18-3) were dealt a tough draw, an opening match against defending state champion Pomeroy (22-5) today at 9:45 a.m.
The winner of that match will advance to face the winner between Three Rivers Christian (16-5) and Almira-Coulee-Hartline in the state quarterfinals at 6:45 p.m.
The losers of those two contests will face off at 3:15 p.m. today in a loser-out match.
Neah Bay (9-5) is making its second straight state appearance after claiming its second consecutive North Olympic League title this year.
The Red Devils, coached by Rebekah Monette, open against Sunnyside Christian (17-7), the same team they opened state against in 2014, at 11:30 a.m. today.
The Knights beat Neah Bay and went on to place fourth at state last year, while the Red Devils were bounced from the tournament after one win in the consolation bracket.
If Neah Bay wins its first match today, it will advance to a quarterfinal match against the winner between Naselle and Oakesdale at 8:15 p.m.
If the Red Devils fall to Sunnyside Christian, they will face the Naselle-Oakesdale loser at 5 p.m. in a loser-out match.
If Quilcene and Neah Bay win at least one of their two matches, they will continue play Saturday.
2A tournament
Sequim and longtime coach Jennie Webber-Heilman are returning to the 2A state tournament for the first time since 2012.
The Wolves (11-7) face Ellensburg at (13-2) at 11 a.m. today at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey.
The winner of that match will face either Anacortes (13-7) or North Kitsap (15-3) in the quarterfinals at 5 p.m.
The loser of the two opening matches will try to stave off elimination with a consolation bracket tilt at 3 p.m.
The Wolves advance to Saturday’s action with one win on Friday.
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Sports Editor Lee Horton can be reached at 360-417-3525 or at lhorton@peninsuladailynews.com.
