FREEMAN — The Lind-Ritzville Broncos had a busy Tuesday with two district tournament matches. After falling to Northwest Christian 3-1 earlier in the evening, the Broncos rallied to beat St. George's 3-0 to keep their state hopes on track. 

"We just kind of had a lot of hiccups going on so we ended up losing to (Northwest Christian)," said Broncos Head Coach Cari Galbreath. "Then we played St. George's and we were able to rally and kind of get back to our normal functioning selves." 

Starting off the evening was a close matchup between Lind-Ritzville and Northwest Christian. The Broncos had a strong start to the game as they came out and won the first set 25-19.

Northwest Christian didn't waver as they reversed things in the second set to win 25-18. The rest of the games remained close but Northwest Christian closed things out with 25-23 and 25-20 wins in the third and fourth sets. 

"It was neck and neck the whole night," said Galbreath. "It was just the little things (that got us). So, it was a hard battle, but I'm just happy after the loss we were able to rally and defeat St. George." 

The rally was exactly what they needed Tuesday as they started competition against St. George's with a 25-18 victory. The Broncos played even tougher volleyball as the night went on to dominate their opponents 25-8 and 25-11 in the second and third sets to claim victory. 

"Mentally we were more calm and we just played more as a team and more how we normally play," said Galbreath. "We didn't try to overplay; we just took care of business." 

The coach said she was proud of the serving runs that Lind-Ritzville had, especially in the second game. Defensively the team accomplished a lot more against St. George's and that helped keep the ball alive for the Broncos. 

She also highlighted how the girls worked together as a team to stay competitive in the first game and claim a solid victory in the second game.  

Rose Fedie and Zoey Mendez, the Broncos' two middles, were players who Galbreath said stepped up to help lead the team in the second game. 

"They had some great plays and blocks that match, and that always helps get the team super excited," said Galbreath. 

She said freshmen Brielle Arlt and Finley Curtis played solid games throughout Tuesday and had good swings which contributed to Lind-Ritzville's success. 

The Broncos' next matchup will be crucial as they play Newport for a chance at third and fourth in districts. The winner of this matchup will also be guaranteed a spot in the state tournament. 

"I feel like even though we lost to Northwest Christian, we have a very possible road to state, so it's exciting," said Galbreath. 

With a short amount of time to prepare for their next matchup in the district bracket, the coach said Lind-Ritzville is entirely focused on putting on their best game against Newport. 

"I just want them to play to their ability," she said. "At moments we can get a little timid or hesitant, letting the moment kind of win over and I just want them to play with confidence and play with their hearts out." 

The Broncos continue their bid for state Thursday as they face Newport at Cheney High School at 5 p.m. 

BOX SCORES 

GAME ONE: 

LRS: 25-18-23-20: 1 

NWC: 19-25-25-25: 3 

GAME TWO:  

STG: 18-8-11: 0 

LRS: 25-25-25: 3