YAKIMA — The Lind-Ritzville-Sprague Broncos volleyball team completed their season in the 2B state tournament, where they earned third place. The Broncos played tough teams throughout the tournament and finished out their bracket in a five-set showdown against Manson. 

“It was a crazy one, definitely very exciting,” said Broncos senior Saige Galbreath. “It is kind of a bummer that we didn’t get into the championship, but it was really exciting to be able to place third.” 

The Broncos started their state run Wednesday morning against Kittitas in a game they swiftly put away to move on to face their next opponent in Toutle Lake later that evening. In their late match against Toutle Lake, they had lost the advantage in the second set, but very quickly came back to take out their opponent and continue their bid in the winners' bracket the following morning. 

Thursday morning, the Broncos faced off against Northwest Christian in what would be a very close four-set game. The Broncos would come off strong with a victory in the first set, but Northwest Christian would claim the next three sets, which would move LRS to battle for the third-place title against the Manson Trojans. 

The battle between the Broncos and the Trojans on the court was fierce, with even the audience on both sides battling to see who could cheer for their team the hardest. The scoreboard was constantly shifting leads, with the two teams making dives at the ball and having long rallies in each set. The competition ultimately led to a fifth set to decide the winner. 

This time, the Broncos shot out to take a significant lead, and Manson struggled to slow down their momentum. After a long and hard-fought two days, the Broncos would claim the third-place title. 

“Even though we were tired, I still feel like we pulled through,” said Saige. “We had some really good rallies and I think it was really good.” 

She said the team knew that they would have to play power ball coming into the tournament, and this showed with every hard swing they hit towards their opponents. Given the season they had, the Broncos knew that they had what it took to be one of the top teams; it just came down to proving their talents. 

One of the greatest struggles for the Broncos coming into their final matchups of the tournament came from how late their second game ended Wednesday night, and having to come back the following morning and compete at their hardest once again. 

“I think we knew all along, our slogan is ‘One Mission’ and our one mission was to try and place as high as we could,” said Saige. 

Broncos Head Coach Cari Galbreath said she was very proud of how well the team rallied to earn the victory for third in state after having a tough loss in the game prior. Following the loss, she told the team to stay proud that they still had the opportunity to compete for the third-place spot and for another opportunity to show improvement in their skills. 

“I’m just proud they were able to come back and compete and be mentally tough after that loss and so much fatigue setting in,” she said. 

The Broncos overall had a very successful season, finishing 19-4, and Coach Galbreath said she attributes this success to how well the team melded and worked together. Through each game, the players all supported and positively pushed one another to become the best athletes they could be. 

This success was highlighted in the work of the three seniors Saige, Zoe Galbreath and Hannah Towne, who each showed great leadership and strength on the court. She said the trio leaves behind a huge legacy for the younger players on the team and for future players of the grit, competitiveness and teamwork that they showed throughout their careers. 

“They’re all three just so successful in their different roles, but collectively they made our team really strong,” said Coach Galbreath. 

She said that next season will be a shift for the Broncos as they graduate the senior players, but those coming up to fill the roles have already proven how steady and reliable they can be on the court.  

Now that her time playing volleyball for the Broncos has come to an end, Saige said it was a great experience to not only have her and her fellow seniors bring home a plaque in their final year, but also just have a great experience being part of the team as a whole. 

“I think the most that it has meant to me is the community. We have people that call us and text us and send us things every day of state,” she said. “I think the community that we have behind us that’s helping us out, that’s what means the most to me.” 

BOX SCORE:  

GAME ONE:  

LRTS: 25-25-25: 3
KTTS: 17-20-15: 0 

GAME TWO:  

LRTS: 25-22-25-25: 3
TOUT: 12-25-10-18: 1 

GAME THREE:  

LRTS: 25-22-23-21: 1
NWCR: 20-25-25-25: 3 

GAME FOUR: 

LRTS: 18-25-16-25-15: 3
MNSN: 25-13-25-18-6: 2  

    Saige Galbreath, an LRS senior, hits the ball sent over by a serve from Manson during the third/fourth place game in the state tournament on Thursday. Galbreath said it was a very exciting moment for her to end off her career with the Broncos volleyball team with a win.
  

    Broncos senior Zoe Galbreath gets ready to make a serve during their final match in the state tournament against Manson. Head Coach Cari Galbreath said the seniors set a great example for the future of the program.
  

    Broncos senior volleyball player Hannah Towne gets down low to hit the ball during the battle against Manson. Head Coach Cari Galbreath said the three seniors all contributed successfully in their roles throughout the season.
  

    Freshman Zoey Mendez for the Broncos smacks the ball back over the net during the third/fourth place game against Manson. Head Coach Cari Galbreath said she is very confident in the abilities of the returning players next year.
  

    Allesandra Mendez, a junior for the Broncos, walks up to serve the ball during the game against Manson on Thursday.
  

    Broncos Junior Rose Fredie prepares to spike the ball over the net during the team’s matchup against Northwest Christian early on Thursday.