Fernley volleyball team earns berth in State Tournament

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

The Fernley High School volleyball team defeated Truckee in the 3A North Region semifinals to earn a trip to Las Vegas for the 3A State Tournament.

There, the Vaqueros are expecting to earn a rematch to try to claim the first state volleyball championship in school history.

The Vaqueros defeated Truckee 16-25, 25-21, 25-17, 15-25, 15-12 in the regional semifinal match to punch their ticket to state and qualify for the regional championship match, where they lost to Elko, 19-25, 25-20, 21-25, 23-25.

The Vaqueros are scheduled to face defending state champion The Meadows in the first round at 4:40 p.m. Friday, with Elko facing Moapa Valley in the other state semifinal. The state championship match is at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Coach Marion Dillon said the Vaqueros were thrilled qualify for state, but were more resolute than disappointed about the loss to Elko.

“Elko came back and played like expect you Elko to play, and we were not ready for that,” Dillon said. “I think our girls were caught off guard. But, knowing that, we expect to play them again for the state championship.”

The Vaqueros got a big game from Arianna Mathern with 13 kills and 15 digs in the win over Truckee. Marli O’Neill added five kills and 13 digs and Alauna Escartin had 15 assists,

“It was phenomenal,” Dillon said. “The girls were very excited. They really did fight.”

Mathern had 14 kills against Elko and O’Neill had 13 to go with a team-high eight digs and Hunter Lyle had 20 assists.

Dillon said the Vaqueros were able to prevail over Truckee because of their close bond.

“This group of girls is a very close unit,” she said. “The girls have a phenomenal ability to motivate each other.”

If the Vaqueros are to bring home their first state championship trophy, Dillon said they will have to play good defense and smart offense.

“Defense is going to be our biggest strength, and being utility,” she said. “And what I mean by that is seeing the gaps on offense, getting the ball to where they can’t return it, and of course, hit those gaps for kills.

“My girls just need to show up and play volleyball,” she added. “Have fun, go play and do what they know how to do.”