Cascade finishes sixth at Sun Dome Tournament

For most 1A schools, a sixth place finish out of 32 teams at the 3A/4A Sun Dome Tournament would be fantastic. But not for the Cascade Kodiaks. Head Coach Marni McMahon was hoping to at least reach the finals. 

They won their pool, beating Davis 25-15, 25-14, Enumclaw 25-17 and University 25-20, 25-19. That put the Kodiaks in the top eight of the tournament. Unfortunately, they got a tough draw in the quarters against West Valley, which turned out to be the eventual tournament champion. 

Cascade lost to West Valley 25-20, 25-17. 

“I was pleased with our play versus Enumclaw and University. Both are good teams. University really challenged us. Girls competed well and stepped up the competition. However, I was disappointed in the play against West Valley. I believe we should have won that match,” McMahon said. 

McMahon said they just didn’t come out with the mind set to compete.   

“We played a sloppy match with limited leadership and still contested. We need to be able to come through in big matches. Something this team needs to learn. We also have a lot of work to do in the passing and setting department. I know that will come a lot with time,” McMahon said. “Many would be happy with a sixth place considering our level in this tournament but I know we are capable of better. The focus this week will be leadership and competitiveness as well as passing and setting.”

Cascade hosted West Seattle on Sept. 18 and played at Selah on Sept. 19. Results were not available before press time. The Kodiaks open league play, hosting Okanogan on Thursday. Next Tuesday, they are at Cashmere. 

Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.