The Bucs didn’t buckle and roar back to win 12th state title
Masen Holmes said she’ struggled with voice hoarseness during most of the volleyball season because the constant emotion and adrenaline involved doesn’t make for quiet times.
“Now, I get to rest it all up,” the Valdez High junior said Saturday afternoon.
She and all her Buccaneers teammates will do so with the state championship trophy in tow.
After dropping the first two sets under the bright Alaska Airlines Center lights, Valdez ripped off three straight set victories to beat Kenai Central in a spirited match that went the distance. The Buccaneers pulled out a 22-25, 14-25, 25-20, 25-16, 15-13 triumph to claim the program’s remarkable 12th title since its first in 1988.
Valdez also won in 1989, 1992, 1994, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2015, 2017 and 2018.
“It feels really cool to be part of such a legacy, and our community support has always been insane,” said Holmes, who was honored as the top player of the championship match. “People come and watch our games with no family involved at all.
“It’s great to think everyone is proud of us.”
Holmes, senior Ambrosia Woodgate and sophomore Momoe Togaage were named to the 3A all-tournament team. Woodgate was named the tournament’s outstanding setter.
Photos by Matt Nevala
Schools with a student enrollment of 101 to 500 students compete for 3A supremacy.
Valdez downed Homer in Thursday’s opening round and Kenai in a five-setter semifinal Friday match. The loss for the Kardinals was the first of the season in a full match.
Kenai clawed its way to the championship for the second time in two seasons (2021 and 2019). The COVID pandemic cancelled the 2020 state tournament. The Kardinals beat defending champion Homer in the loser’s bracket semifinals to advance for a second crack at the Buccaneers.
Senior Valerie Villegas was named the tournament’s outstanding defensive specialist and senior Amanda Galloway took outstanding server honors. The duo also represented the Kardinals on the all-tournament team with sophomore Emma Beck and junior Jorgi Phillips.
In Friday’s winner’s semi, Valdez won the first two sets against Kenai. The script got flipped Saturday. But the Buccaneers rebounded when it mattered most.
“There’s a lot of pressure and you really have to trust your team,” Holmes said. “Volleyball is such a mental game, and you can’t pick your team apart or let the opponent pick you apart.
“You’ve got to stay strong.”
Valdez did just that.
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Alaska School Activities Association/First National Bank Alaska
3A State Volleyball Championships
At Alaska Airlines Center
Saturday
Championship Match
Valdez 3, Kenai Central 2
Outstanding Defensive Specialist: Valerie Villigas, Kenai
Outstanding Setter: Ambrosia Woodgate, Valdez
Outstanding Server: Amanda Galloway, Kenai
Outstanding Hitter: Gracie Gummer, Homer
All-Tournament Team
Sophia Stepovich, Monroe Catholic
Chloe Morrison, Sitka
Ambrosia Woodgate, Valdez
Valerie Villegas, Kenai
Anna Endres, Seward
Momoe Togaage, Valdez
Emma Beck, Kenai
Zoe Adkins, Homer
Jorgi Phillips, Kenai
Masen Holmes, Valdez
Gracie Gummer, Homer
Amanda Galloway, Kenai