By Alex Benzegala
Panhandle Post
The Alliance Bulldogs volleyball team fought to the end but ended up one win short of the Class B State Tournament, falling to state power Skutt Catholic in 3 sets on Saturday (25-16-257-25-18)
"Although yesterday brought the end to our season and to the high school career of our seniors, I am so proud of this group of young ladies," Head Coach Manda Clarke said in a social media post.
Alliance knew the odds were stacked against them against an elite program in the Skyhawks, but Alliance had some strong moments as Alliance was within striking range in the first set, trailing by just three points at 10-7 through 17 points. Skutt Catholic went on a run late in the first set to win comfortably as they brought the momentum into the 2nd set.
The 3rd is when Alliance showed their grit as they battled hard in a very competitive frame, but Skutt Catholic had just a little more firepower offensively as they took the third to win the match.
Alliance Senior Jaelynne Clarke had nine kills to lead Alliance in her final varsity match to end an illustrious career for the Bulldogs after eclipsing 1,000 career kills early in the season and leading the team on their post-season run.
Clarke was a part of a senior class that included Haylie Winter, Kinley Pfeiffer, Regan Braun and Kaylee Henthorne., all key contributors to the program.
Alliance will look to build upon the season next knowing they return a lot of key players that either started or played significant roles on the team this year, such as Josie Sanders, Addy Weber, Shyla Salcido, Kaiya Adams, Taylee Thompson, Macey Seebohm and Macy Brooks.