King Cove earned a spot at the state tournament at the end of the month. They are undefeated this season.
Six teams participated in the Region 1 volleyball tournament this weekend. Dillingham, Aleknagik, Manokotak, Bristol Bay Borough, King Cove and New Stuyahok faced off, competing for two spots at the state tournament. King Cove won. With a 23-0 record, the team will enter the 2A state volleyball tournament undefeated. As runner-up, the Bristol Bay Angels will also represent the region at the state competition.
For one of the teams knocked out early in the competition, the tournament was a milestone of a different kind. Aleknagik re-opened its high school last year, and this year it expanded the athletic program. This volleyball tournament was the Aleknagik Laker’s first time to compete in a regional sports competition in more than three decades.
“It was an exciting time for us to come down to Dillingham for the regional tournament,” said Aleknagik coach, teacher and principal, Audra Finkenbinder. Reflecting on the season she said, “Overall the girls did really well. They played really hard in their last game at regions.”
The team is young. Since the high school has only been open for two years, the oldest players are sophomores. In order to even have a team, nearly every girl in the high school plays, and some area homeschoolers are on the team as well. The Lakers came away from this tournament with the sportsmanship award.
King Cove and the Bristol Bay Borough will compete at the state tournament Nov.30 through Dec.2.
Contact the author at avery@kdlg.org or 907-842-5281.
