Wilson Creek seeks first state title

WILSON CREEK ——  Thirteen was not quite the charm for the Wilson Creek Devils volleyball team program and coach Mike Ottis when it came to state appearances.

However number 14 may just be the ticket.

On Friday, the Devils begin their quest for an elusive state title when they open play at the WIAA/Dairy Farmers of Washington/Les Schwab Tires 1B Volleyball Championships at the Yakima Sun Dome with a first-round match with Sprague-Harrington.

Ottis, who is in his 26th year at the helm, believes that this current squad may have what it takes to add a title ring to a treasure chest containing second, third, fourth, and seventh-place finishes on the season’s last weekend.

“I have had one other team in 26 years, that I said prior to going in, we have a shot (to win it) and this is the second one,” Ottis said. “If they get it going, they match up with anyone. But we have the Dr. Jekyl, Mr.. Hyde syndrome and when it taps us on the shoulder we are susceptible like any other team.”

But when Wilson Creek (16-3) taps opponents, it’s with an offensive ferocity led by four capable hitters including senior Ksenja Fredere.

The MVP of 1B North Central Washington District, Fredere led the team with 270 kills, but she has been bolstered by juniors Holly Wilson with 147 kills and Kali Winfrey with 127 kills, and freshman Bryanna Stevens with 156 kills.

“Our bread and butter is our attack and we have four legitimate hitters this year and I’ve never had that many in my years here,” Ottis said. “We will keep pressing you and pressing you and pressing you. That’s how we play.”

Senior setter Jackie Treat runs the 5-1 offense for Wilson Creek.

Still the squad had to regain some of its pride following a loss in the opener of district play, falling to Pateros 3-2.

Ottis’ charges regained themselves and won two loser bracket matches — 3-1 over Moses Lake Christian Academy and 3-0 over Pateros — to punch their ticket to Yakima.

“That loss was a hiccup and definitely a wake-up call,” Ottis said.

The squad will need to kick start its state-title hopes as they will take on Sprague-Harrington (9-7) at 9 a.m.

“Their record is deceiving because they play (bigger schools) so I do expect them to be quality.” Ottis said. “My prep is for us to go out and play our best ball. I concentrate more on what we do than what the other teams do.”   

The double-elimination tournament will continue either at 3:30 p.m. the same day in a winner’s bracket contest against Colton or North Sound Christian.

A loss would propel the Devils to a 9 a.m. consolation round match against one of those same potential two teams.

“My first goal right now is to get past them and once we do that we’ll think about the other two,” Ottis said.

The state final is Saturday at 7 p.m.