The Kenai Kardinals battled the Valdez Buccaneers through five sets in the championship game at the ASAA 3A State Volleyball Championships, falling to Valdez in the decisive fifth-game 15-13.
Valdez claims the 2021 3A state championship and the Kenai Kardinals earn the runner-up title for 2021 (Kenai also finished as runner-up in 2019 to the Homer Mariners).
Kenai, for the 2021 state tournament, was pushed (or did the pushing) to five-set matches in the Kardinals’ final four contests, following an opening 3-0 sweep of Monroe.
Kenai defeated Sitka 3-2 (15-12, game 5); lost to Valdez 3-2 (15-7, game 5); held-off Homer 3-2 (15-2, game 5) and dropped the championship game to Valdez 3-2 (15-13, game 5).
Championship Game Recap: Valdez 3 – Kenai 2
The Kenai girls started the match in control taking the first two games 25-22 and 25-14. Valdez settled in and claimed game three 25-20 and controlled game four 25-16.
For the second-straight match between Valdez and Kenai a decisive fifth game goes to the Buccaneers; Valdez winning game five 15-13.
Kenai’s Emma Beck recorded 23 kills against Valdez and Jorgi Phillips recorded 24 assists.
Valerie Villegas was named ASAA all-tournament defensive specialist and recorded 56 digs in the Kenai vs Valdez championship game.
Kenai’s Andie Galloway earned the outstanding server award for the tournament.
The Homer Mariners finish in third place, Homer was the reigning 2019 state champion with no state tournament in 2020). The Kardinals downed Homer to advance to the championship game. Homer’s Gracie Gummer was awarded the outstanding hitter award for the state tournament.
Complete ASAA 3A State Volleyball Bracket w/results: Click Here!
For Kenai and Homer game recaps, go to the sports page a radiokenai.com
ASAA 3A State Volleyball: All-Tournament Team
ASAA Individual Awards Kenai All-Tournament Team Selections
Photos courtesy of Kenai Volleyball Booster Club Facebook Page
