SOAP LAKE — The Soap Lake Eagles (10-3) earned a big home victory for their Senior Night, going 3-0 over the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Christian Covenant School Lions (10-6). The Eagles are still in the fight for the number one spot and drop the Lions to fourth in the Central Washington B league. 

“I’m really proud of each one of these girls,” said Eagles senior Liana Sushik. “We’ve always been together, it’s Senior Night, and I’m really thankful for how it went today. It really showed who we really are.” 

The Eagles started the game strong, gaining an early lead in the first set. The Lions mounted a comeback to close the gap, but the Eagles would come out on top with a 25-21 victory in the first set.  

The second set started with a Lions point and the Eagles followed with one of their own soon after. This went back and forth until the Eagles pulled ahead to win the set 25-18. The third set would go the same with the Eagles coming out with a final score of 25-17 and winning the match 3-0. 

Sushik said this was a statement victory for the Eagles’ Senior Night, as the last time these two teams met, the Lions won 3-0. The Eagles not only showed how much they had improved since then, but also continued their seven-game win streak. 

“I believe in all these seniors, and we got back on track,” she said. “(The Lions) are a pretty good team, but we still got our potential up.” 

Eagles Head Coach Niki Noble said the team had to come out strong against the Lions if they wanted to earn the victory. 

“We wanted to make sure we came out with confidence and playing our best game,” said Noble.  

She said the excitement of Senior Night and playing in front of a large crowd brought a new feeling to the game as they stepped on the court, but the Eagles showed their focus and did what they needed to do for a victory. 

“We don’t get a whole lot of big crowds, but when we play the local teams, it helps, and then in addition to Senior Night, having all those people here, I think it really made a difference,” said Noble. 

Lions head coach Dean Spurbeck said he was happy with how the team played against the Eagles. He said both teams put on a great performance. 

“It’s getting close to the playoffs, so we need good games, and that was a good game and it gives us some good stuff to work on,” said Spurbeck. 

The big lesson for the Lions coming out of this game is the importance of playing their best, Spurbeck said. He said that having a good competitive game like this was something that would help them overall as they head into the postseason. 

As the Eagles head into their final game of the regular season, Noble said it is important that the team plays their best and doesn’t let up. In preparation for Thursday’s matchup, the Eagles are going to reinforce where they’ve been finding success. 

She said the Eagles are going to keep getting stronger as they head into the postseason and will just need to iron out some of the wrinkles that they still have. 

“We’re coming together as a team and being supportive of each other on and off the court,” said Noble. “I think that going into the postseason we just have to play our best volleyball and peak at the right time.” 

Spurbeck said the Lions are going to spend the next practice getting focused for their next big game against Waterville-Mansfield. He said this next game will be one the players can grow from before heading into districts and hopefully the state tournament. 

“We’re still learning, but I think that we’re doing well,” he said. 

This game was a bittersweet moment for the Eagles seniors as it marked their final home game of the regular season. Sushik said she’s both proud of the achievements that the team has made this season, but is also sad she won’t get another opportunity to play volleyball on the home court. 

She said in the final weeks of volleyball that she wants herself and the other seniors to instill in the younger players the drive and love for the sport. 

“I want each girl to believe in themselves because it’s a good program here,” said Sushik. “After us, it’s going to keep going good and I’m proud to see what the next generation’s going to give us next year.” 

Both teams will finish out the regular season Thursday at 6:30, with the Eagles going on the road against Bridgeport and the Lions returning home to play Waterville-Mansfield. Following this, the teams will head into postseason play with the CWB District tournament. 

BOX SCORE: 

SPLK: 25-25-25: 3 

MLCA: 21-18-17: 0 

    Clarissa Shopbell with the Lions prepares to spike the ball during Tuesday’s matchup against the Eagles. Lions Head Coach Dean Spurbeck said he was happy with the team’s performance and that this was a good game for the teams as they near postseason play.
  

    Alyson Zufall, a senior for the Eagles, hits the ball back over the net against the Lions. The Eagles Senior Night brought in a large crowd which Eagles head coach Niki Noble said helped the flow of the game.
  

    Lions senior SanTahna Ferguson leaps in the air for a huge hit against the Eagles. The Lions are preparing for a big home matchup for their Senior Night against Waterville-Mansfield on Thursday.
  

    Eagles senior Maryanna Miller serves the ball during Tuesday’s game against the Lions. Eagles head coach Niki Noble said it is important for the team to play to their fullest potential as they head into their final game of the regular season.
  

    Ellie Schopf, a senior for the Eagles, gets ready to serve the ball during Tuesday’s matchup. Eagles head coach Niki Noble said the team came out strong from the very beginning which was necessary to win the game.