MLCA VB district champs

SOAP LAKE - The Moses Lake Christian Academy (MLCA) Lions were crowned district champions after defeating Thorp in fives sets (22-25, 25-14, 21-25, 25-15, 15-11) Thursday.

The win earned MLCA a return trip to the state tournament at the Yakima SunDome Friday to face NW Yeshiva High School at 11.45 a.m. on court No. 3.

"It was an exciting match," coach Dean Spurbeck said. "I thought the girls played really well."

Strong play at the net and accurate serving were keys to the victory.

"Rachel Verhage was on top of her game with 33 kills and six aces," Spurbeck said. "And our setter, Selena Styren, did an excellent job of putting our hitters in position to make plays."

Styren finished the match with 32 assists.

The 613s may present a couple of challenges for the Lions, as the team is from Mercer Island and Spurbeck doesn't have prior knowledge as to how NW Yeshiva plays.

"I don't know much about them because they are from the west side of the state," he said. "What I do know is that we need to be on our game ... play well and don't get too tight. If we play relaxed, we should do fine."

Spurbeck said as long as the team stays focused and take things one game at a time, the Lions have a good chance to make a long run at the big show.

"We've been working hard on the mental aspect of the game," he said. "We also have experience on our side as we've been here before, having finished fourth in state last year."