Prairie girls volleyball conquered Shelton on Thursday, November 13th and Kelso on Saturday, November 15th to become the District Champions here in The Nest to progress on their way to State. 

The District Games were held locally this year and Prairie received the opportunity to host, in contrast to recent years where teams would travel for Districts, in an effort to cut costs and make the road to State simpler and more direct. Despite the changes, Prairie won three sets to none against Shelton and defeated longtime rival Kelso three sets to none as well. 

“Kelso gave us a good look at the competition we are going to be facing at State knowing that everybody is either going to be as good as Kelso or even better,” Senior co-captain Emma Moffitt says. “It showed us the high level we are able to play at.” Moffitt also says that knowing Kelso is their biggest rival and acknowledging that winning was something fully attainable to the team helped push them towards victory. 

A huge challenge facing the team was changes in lineups. “We overcame so many people trying different things like positions and where we are in the lineups,” Senior co-captain Avery Eterno says. “Anyone can do anything. So many people can play so many different positions that we’re not having to rely on a certain one.” Kelso was a huge confidence booster that enabled the team to fully believe in their skills, especially after being able to prove success with different players in different spots, like Eterno playing as a setter instead of Libero in contrast to the beginning of the season.   

“We know we have nothing to lose going into State so leaving it all out on the court is something really important to the team,” Emma Moffitt says. “Walking away from this season having no regrets is one of our biggest goals.” This dynamic, versatile skillset and dedication to winning it all will “serve” the falcon girls volleyball well at State.