YAKIMA – The Golden Eagles traveled to the state tournament with brooms-in-hand as Ferndale swept Bainbridge in the first round, 25-17, 25-20 and 25-22, and followed that up by sweeping Arlington in the quarterfinals, 25-19, 25-22 and 25-22 on Thursday.
Against Bainbridge, Kaelee Bungard led with 17 kills and 18 digs, and Brooklyn Cagle dished out 38 assists while adding three aces and a pair of blocks. Ferndale also had strong libero play from Aysia Mitchell who had 26 digs, three aces and two kills.
In the quarterfinals against Arlington, Alyvia Semu had 13 kills, three blocks and also boasted the best passing rating of the team. Avery Schneider had nine kills, an ace and a block and Mitchell served up five aces. Cagle again had 38 assists, but also contributed at the net with five kills and two blocks.
The Golden Eagles will play Peninsula today at 2:15 where the winner will move on to play for the state championship. Ferndale last won a state championship in 1986.
