BELLINGHAM – Following an undefeated conference season, the Lions were pushed a little harder in the district playoffs but found a way to get it done by defeating Burlington-Edison in four sets at Squalicum High School on Wednesday night.
In a rematch from last season’s district championship match, Lynden won the first two sets with identical scores of 25-19. The Tiger’s possessed amazing defense which allowed them to go on a 12-0 run in the third set after being down 7-2.
Lynden coach Chris Elsner took two timeouts during the Burlington-Edison run, and reassured to her team how great they are.
The Lions responded by clawing back, point by point, but the Tigers ultimately took the third set 30-28 in a thriller that had everyone in attendance sitting on the edge of their seats.
Lynden took back control in the fourth set to win 25-20, and capture a state berth.
Senior Haylee Koetje led with 18 kills and 14 digs, and senior Ashley Shumate added 15 kills and 16 digs.
Freshman Finley Parcher stuffed the stat sheet with 10 kills, three blocks, two aces and seven digs, and sophomore Rian Stephen showed tremendous skill with 14 kills and seven digs.
Senior Grace Rice racked up 50 assists and 20 digs, while seniors Mya VanderYacht (35 digs) and Kasi Thomas (13 digs) controlled the back line.
