It’s tough enough just qualifying for the state 2A volleyball tournament, but Cordova’s Wolverines had the added challenge of arriving just minutes before their first-round match with Southeast Champs Klawock.
Originally, Cordova was scheduled to face Klawock at 11:45 a.m. Dec. 2, but after bad weather cancelled Alaska Airlines flights Dec. 1, Alaska School Activities Association rescheduled the contest for 3:15 p.m. Dec. 2.
Knowing the arrival time in Anchorage would be very tight, the Lady Wolverines boarded the jet here in Cordova in their uniforms. Wouldn’t you know it? The plane was late leaving Cordova.
Upon arrival, Alaska Air allowed them to deplane first and a shuttle bus picked them up. Already past the 3:15 p.m. match time, ASAA said they would delay the match until 3:30 p.m. Off they raced off to Dimond High School, arriving with just minutes to spare.
Welcome to state. With no pre-game warmups, or chance to practice at the facility and rest in a hotel the night before.
“We put on our shoes as fast as possible, as we would be forced to forfeit the first game of the match if not ready to play at the scheduled time,” Cordova Coach Janelle Greenwood said. “We came out strong and played hard considering everything we had been through, but fell short and lost in three.”
Cordova stayed close in the first game, losing 25-21, but then faded in next games, falling 25-12 and 25 -11.
The loss dropped Cordova into the losers bracket the next day. At 11 a.m. they edged Chief Ivan Blanka in three close games, by scores of 25-19, 26-24 and 30-28. At 2:20 p.m. they knocked off Craig in four games, by scores of 25-17, 25-20, 17-25 and 25-16.
So, wouldn’t you know it? Once again it was Cordova versus Klawock, at 8 p.m. that evening.
Well rested, the Lady Wolverines played an exciting rematch. Klawock won the first two games, 25-10 and 25-22; CHS battled back to win Game 3 26-24. The last game was also a nail biter, with Klawock eliminating Cordova 25-23.
Meanwhile, Klawock advanced all the way to the finals, losing to SuValley, 25-21,21-25, 25-20, 25-27 and 15-12 in the championship match at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4.
Cordova finished fourth in the tournament. Gwethyln Jacob and Jacey Pallas were selected to the All-State Tournament Team; Amee Hamberger and Jacey Pallas were selected for Best Sportsmanship Awards; and Jacey Pallas was selected as Best Setter in the State.
“It was a challenging weekend, but the mentality and focus of the girls was amazing,” Coach Janelle Greenwood said. “The girls played with heart, stuck together and never gave up. Words can’t describe how proud I am of this team.”
“It was a great season, and the amount of improvement individually and as a team was phenomenal,” added Greenwood. “They all put in a lot of work, and I want to thank all the girls, our managers, and Assistant Coach Lindsey Hammer for all their efforts and dedication.”
