Parma netters claim 2A volleyball championship
Monday, November 3, 2008 10:46 AM PST
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| Argus Observer file photo
The Parma Lady Panthers volleyball team won the Idaho 2A state volleyball title with a 2-1 win over the Melba Mustangs Saturday in Idaho Falls. Parma worked its way through the losers bracket to make it into the final game. Kali Roche (12) lobs the ball over the net in this Argus Observer file photo. Roche led the Lady Panthers with 33 kills, 10 blocks, 53 digs and three service aces. |
Argus Observer sports staff
Idaho City—Destiny settled in at Parma High School as the Lady Panthers reached the highest pinnacle in prep volleyball - a state title.
Parma defeated the Melba Mustangs in the championship game winning two of three games (22-25, 25-20, 15-10).
The road to the championship was not easy.
Parma opened the 2A state volleyball tournament against Valley and lost in four games, which sent them to the loser’s side of the bracket and made the road to the title long and hard.
Following the opening round loss, Parma would have to win seven straight matches to achieve its goal, and that is what they did.
In the second game of the tournament, Parma knocked off Firth 3-2, and then took care of West Jefferson 3-0. Next up was Western Idaho Conference foe Nampa Christian, and the Lady Panther did not falter as they swept the Lady Trojans in three sending Parma to face West Side and a chance to reach the championship game.
Against West Side, the Lady Panthers dropped one game, but came away with the 3-1 win and a date with WIC opponent Melba.
Melba, who had not lost in the tournament, was in the driver’s seat and would have to lose twice, but the destiny was on the side of Parma.
In the opening match, Parma and Melba battle through five games with Parma winning 25-23, 25-18, 19-25, 15-25, 15-12 to force the final match of the 2008 tournament. In the final match the winners was determined with the best of three format. Parma won 2-1.
“We worked hard today,” Parma head coach Jeana Critchfield said. “I am amazingly speechless. It was amazing to watch them play.”
In the two game championship series, Parma was led by Kali Roche with 33 kills, 10 blocks, 53 digs and three service aces. Teammates Alli Nielsen pitch in with 11 kills, five blocks, 26 digs and two aces, while Becca Cox was good for eight kills and five digs.
Breanna Stell stepped up with 41 assists, 16 digs and four kills to help win the title.
“I am amazed by their perseverance, strength and drive. We kept showing up. We didn’t back off. We didn’t get scared,” Critchfield said. “We played our game, not letting other team dictate how we play.”
Parma ended the season with an impressive 20-5 overall record, while going 5-0 against Melba this season.
“We played them (Melba) quite a bit this year, we have watched them all tournament,” Critchfield said. “Melba has played the most consistent volleyball we have seen, not a lot of ups and downs. They played in control. They are a very good team.”
Critchfield said Melba had some of the best defense in the tournament, and it was hard to put ball away against them. She described the Lady Mustangs as a scrappy team that covered the court constantly.
“They work well as a team and communicate,” Critchfield said. “It is difficult to force an error on them.”
