Lady Bulldogs Are District Champs

EPHRATA – The Dayton volleyball team took on Walla Walla Valley Academy here Saturday and captured the District 5 championship, overcoming the Knights in five sets, 25-19, 25-21, 24-26, 23-25, 15-10.

With the win, the Lady Bulldogs move on to the state tournament at the Yakima Sundome Friday and Saturday. They will be the number one seed in District 5. Their first game will be at 1:30 Friday against NW Christian.

"We played hard," said Dayton coach Shannon Turner of her team's performance Saturday night. "We worked together. We battled for points in long rallies all night."

Mia Becker lead her team in digs with 30. "It was her best defensive match of the season," said Turner. "She was everywhere."

Turner praised her other two seniors as well. "Jenna (Phillips) and Josilyn (Fullerton) dominated at the net with both Lady Bulldogs having their match- high in kills for the season."

"Everyone on the team contributed to the winning district title, staying focused, disciplined, and playing as a team," Turner said.

Match Stats:

Jenna Phillips - 17/18 Serves, 3 Aces, 26 Kills, 5 Blocks, 24 Digs

Josilyn Fullerton - 15/17 Serving, 1 Ace, 16 Kills, 3 Blocks, 18 Digs

Mia Becker - 8/8 Serving, 1 Ace,30 Digs

Hanna Becker - 16/17 Serving, 3 Aces, 46 Assists, 4 Kills, 2 Blocks, 10 Digs

Megan Robins - 24/24 Serves, 2 Aces, 1 Kill, 7 Digs

Kaleigh White - 20/22 Serves, 1 Ace, 4 Kills, 5 digs

Tatumn Laughery - 12 Digs

Scully Castorena - 2/3 Serves, 11 Digs

Neylan Bryan, Shaelyn Fortier and Elise Steinhoff are other Team Members