The Lewiston Bengals capped a historic first state tournament appearance this decade with a fourth-place finish, securing a trophy and a sportsmanship award despite a four-set defeat to the Bonneville Bees. The Class 5A loser-out contest, held at Post Falls High School, saw the Bees prevail with a final score of 25-20, 25-16, 19-25, 25-21. For head coach Marie Huffman, the result marked a significant milestone in her first season at Lewiston, highlighting the team’s ability to peak at the right moment to reach the state stage for the first time in years.
Historic run ends with trophy and sportsmanship award after tough loss to Bonneville
Lewiston’s senior class delivered standout performances in their final high school match, providing the offensive and defensive backbone for the Bengals. Avery Balmer anchored the defense and attack with 15 kills, 17 digs, and three blocks, while Emery McKarcher orchestrated the offense with 22 assists and three aces. Their combined efforts kept the team competitive throughout the match, ensuring they left the court with tangible accolades beyond just the placement.
The dual recognition of a fourth-place trophy and a sportsmanship award underscored the program’s commitment to excellence both on and off the court. Huffman praised the squad’s character, noting that the recognition honored not only their athletic prowess but also the good conduct displayed by players, coaches, and fans. This achievement serves as a strong foundation for the future, proving that the Bengals can compete at the highest level of Idaho high school volleyball.
Source: Yahoo Sports
