The emotions were running high on Saturday inside the Marty O’Brien Court on the campus of Ephrata High School.  The Tigers, with an overall record of 16-2 and a number 5 ranking in the latest Washington state RPI rankings, took on league rival Ellensburg for the district championship.  The winner would take home the title as well as earn an automatic bid to the state tournament in Yakima on November 19th and 20th.  Ephrata and Ellensburg split during the regular season and shared the league title.

The teams fought a back and forth contest throughout the first four sets each winning a pair to set up a fifth and deciding set.  The Tigers came out hot and were able to finish off the Bulldogs when sophomore middle blocker, Addison Mills nailed the coffin closed with her powerful kill to send the Tigers to victory.  The Tigers last made an appearance at the state tournament in 2011.  The win ended a 32-year drought as Ephrata was able to capture its first district volleyball championship since 1989.

They will face the Anacortes Seahawks on Friday, November 19th at 8:45am.  A win will propel the Tigers into a potential matchup with number one ranked Columbia River, who must first face Mark Morris in the opening round.

Fans may view the entire tournament on the NFHS Network at nfhsnetwork.com.  Fees do apply.