Prairie Girls Volleyball is ready to make their return to state for the 2023-2024 season. Prairie, who is currently ranked #8 in the 3A division will set out for Yakima Sundome to play on November 17th at 3:30 pm against the #9 ranked Gig Harbor.
This year the Lady Falcons have found quite the success on the court after taking home the league championship and clinching a spot in the 2023 state tournament. On November 10th Prairie took on Central Kitsap, after winning two sets and losing two sets the Falcons came back in set 5 winning 16-14. One of the key factors in this team’s success this year is their ability to bounce back after a lost set. Senior, Diamond Doutrive, gave her input on how as a team they keep the intensity high and bounce back from a set, she said “We keep the intensity high by hyping each other up and being there for each other. We bounce back from a set by letting each other know we got this and that we’re in it together.”
Heading into the tournament one of the team’s main goals is to maintain their health both mentally and physically, making sure they can give it 100% on the court on Friday. Junior, Marissa Raley, who has been part of the varsity team since her freshman year said “ We’re keeping our bodies well rested, and mentally staying focused not losing sight of our main goal of winning state.”
Last year the Falcons also made it to state but this year the team is looking a little different. The team chemistry is on fire with the players’ bond being the closest it’s ever been. The Falcons have put in a lot of hard work and effort going into this season, they have recognized their efforts and achievements but also know the job isn’t finished. This year, the team wants to take the championship all the way home back to Vancouver, in order to do so they have a certain mindset going into the game. Senior Diamond Doutrive, who was also recognized as Prairie High School’s September athlete of the month, said “As a team, our mindset is we know we have a high skill level, we know we can play at the state level and deserve to be here.”
These Falcons have been in preparation for this tournament all season, Prairie wishes them the best of luck!
