PRIEST RIVER — A relentless effort from Priest River's seniors wasn't enough to propel them past Melba, who won the 3A state play-in game in five sets (25-14, 17-25, 9-25, 25-21, 9-15) on Saturday. 

The Spartans were led offensively by senior outside hitter Raygn Turner, who totaled 12 kills, and freshman Ava Griesemer, who added 11 kills and four blocks. Priest River's junior McKinley Burgess-Duquette contributed eight kills, 12 digs and three aces to the team's gritty effort. Senior setter Haylee Jepson-Church totaled 23 assists. 

Defensively, Priest River senior Callie Stanger was excellent. Stanger posted a team-high 26 digs and was supported by 13 digs from Turner and another 12 from Jepson-Church. The senior libero also led the team with five aces. 

At the net, senior Rylee Dixon added five blocks, two solo and three assisted. 

"Our seniors showed up to play; they were relentless," Priest River head coach Katlyn Turner said. "Melba couldn’t handle Ava’s hit. She took us on several leads." 

With the loss, the Spartans' season comes to a close. Priest River finished their 2026 campaign 15-5 overall and 6-2 in Central Idaho League play.  

The Spartans battled to end the season, playing in five straight five-set thrillers and winning three of them to claim second place in their league.