Our Lady Falcons decided to dress as champions for Halloween 2019, and restored the title of 1A State Champions to the Donoho volleyball program. The trophy signals an 11th title for our program and a new realm in Falcon volleyball.
The Donoho team rallied in the 4th set to pull a victory from a 24-18 trail. The excited Donoho crowd watched a determined team fight back to make sure their final game was a winning one. The next six points erased the deficit and brought Donoho to a 24-24 tie, and another chance to play as a team.
“We didn’t want our last game with our seniors to be a loss.” explains junior Maggie Miller.
The Falcons were well on their way to a win, but Westminster-Oak Mountain rallied. Our ladies faced elimination again when in the 4th set they were down 26-25, but Maggie Wakefield brought her team back to life with the next three points (two on kills and one on a block) that rode the net and dropped down for the win as our stands erupted.
The Falcons came out strong in the 5th set. They led 13-3 and 14-7, but had to anchor deep when Westminster rallied. The players described their determination and teamwork as some internal magic that takes place within them. Coach Clendenin calls it “Grit!”
“This team, all of them, gave the hustle, the determination, the fight that was needed. Our seniors didn’t give up, and waited for their moment to shine! Kate Porteous was pivotal in her serves, and Mya kept us in their with her digs.”
The Lady Falcons finished the fifth set 15-12 and celebrated with elated screams and a team huddle on the court. Congratulations to Maggie Wakefield, Lily Grace Draper, and MVP Maggie Miller for being named to the Class 1A All-Tournament team.
“It was the greatest comeback in my career as a coach. I’m just so proud of these girls.”
We are, too! Way to go, Falcons!
