In a time span of one hour, the varsity women’s volleyball team was left breathless, as their hopes of a state championship fell before them. The hard-hitting Summit Storm trampled over Cleveland, earning themselves a victory after three games, and a spot in the next round of the playoffs.

Summit, of Bend, took command of the first game with a 12-7 lead, which was followed soon after by a 25-15 win. Cleveland was down but not out. They fought hard, and showed that they could compete with Summit, but the Storm thought differently, as they scored the first four points to start the second game. Cleveland’s faults were slowly causing the game to slip away. The players were beginning to become frustrated, as nothing seemed to work for them.

“We didn’t find a rhythm,” said head coach Camille Adana, disappointed about the loss.

The Warriors were unable to regain composure, and Summit ran away with the second game victory 25-9. With one game remaining, and Cleveland looking at elimination, the team tried to quiet the Storm. Cleveland kept it close at the beginning trailing only by one point, but Summit refused to let up as they scored the next four points to take a 10-5 lead. The rest of the game sailed by, giving the Storm a 25-9 victory over the Warriors in the third and final set.

“We blinked and the game was over,” said Adana.

The team felt that they had a great chance at defeating Summit, but realized that nothing was going their way. “We weren’t prepared to play in the state competition,” said Captain Kylie Brunger, who was disappointed that 5A league play lacked the competition needed to help them improve for state. The Warriors were led by Brunger, and Caitlin Percell.

Summit’s speedy serves, smack-down spikes, and overall quick reaction, caught Cleveland off guard. Lindsay Burdick and Candice Randall were essential for the Storm, leading the team a step closer to the state championship game.

Despite Cleveland’s loss, their season was still a successful one, finishing the regular season in first place at 6-3. Brunger, a junior, and senior Nicole Vogt made first team All League. “I have the best team anyone could coach,” said Adana.