Broncos fall in three to Manson

RITZVILLE – Two strong volleyball teams from the 2B classification met Saturday, as the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos fell 3-0 to the Manson Trojans in a rematch of last season’s 2B state championship game. 

“There was a lot of excitement,” LRS head coach Cari Galbreath said. “I think my team was looking forward to seeing them again, and that level of play is always special and helps us grow as a team.” 

The first two sets began similarly; Manson led 13-11 midway through the first set and the two teams were tied at 12 midway through the second set, but the Trojans found success down the stretch of both sets to go up 2-0 with wins of 25-21 and 25-16. 

“I think we need to be a little bit more consistent,” Galbreath said. “We take little breaks, whether that’s defensively or serve-receive. Consistent aggression – we kind of took a little nap.” 

Staying on the attack was the key for the Trojans claiming those first two sets, Manson head coach Hayli Thompson said.  

“For our girls, it was just staying aggressive,” Thompson said. “We had a lot of unforced errors in all three sets, which isn’t super characteristic of us, but staying aggressive and a lot of taking. Our mentality was ‘We are here to prepare for the state tournament,’ and this game in itself, the win-loss wasn’t the big part of it.” 

Manson led by as many as seven in the third and final set Saturday evening, though the Broncos managed to cut into the lead late by winning long rallies and capitalizing on a handful of Trojan miscues.  

“We hunkered down defensively and we scrambled; had some good defensive plays which built our energy, and we won a couple of those wild (plays),” Galbreath said. “I think that helps our stamina.” 

After cutting the lead to 22-18 and 24-21 in favor of the Trojans, Manson pulled out the 35-21 win to complete the sweep. 

“One thing that (LRS) does bring is they have several hitters and they’re all a little bit different,” Thompson said. “One of them hits on the line, one of them keeps poking to the middle. Out girls did a great job of adjusting to that.” 

Friday’s game was a non-league matchup, leaving plenty of room to see where both teams fit on the state level without worries of a loss affecting league standings. 

“We were definitely ready to play them again,” Thompson said. “See what they brought, and prepare – we like getting tough opponents this late in the season before we get to state, so it was great to come have some long rallies with another team.” 

For the Broncos, Galbreath said the team learned where they are. LRS is 12-3 this fall with one match left in the regular season; a home match against Freeman on Oct. 29. 

“I think we take away that we’re right there – with the top,” Galbreath said.  

Box score 

MNS: 25-25-25 3
LRS: 21-16-21 0 

    Lind-Ritzville/Sprague senior Madisyn Cameron serves the ball Saturday against Manson.
  

    Lind-Ritzville/Sprague junior Saige Galbreath goes down to receive a serve from Manson during the third set.
  

    Lind-Ritzville/Sprague sophomore Alessandra Mendez (11) rises up to spike the ball during the second set against Manson.