Thornton comes up big as Cats win twice at state

LEWISTON — After a five year hiatus from the state volleyball tournament, the Wampus Cats wasted little time making some noise once they got back, downing Carey 25-23, 24-26, 25-16 and 25-20 in the opening round of the 1A Division II tournament Friday in Lewiston.

Senior Chelsea Macumber hammered 13 kills to go with seven service aces, and Celeste Komanec added 45 set assists to lead the Wampus Cats attack. Perhaps the biggest surprise was the play of sophomore Brocklynn Thornton, who had her best hitting day of the year with 12 kills.

“We had a little nerves at first, but Brocklynn really stepped up her game,” said Cats coach Carolyn Speelmon. “She was hitting in a rhythm and had an excellent game.”

Senior Shaina Gustafson added 13 kills and three blocks, Moranda Becker had a team-high seven digs, Moriah Miller added nine kills and Jessica Cartmell three blocks, as the Cats got significant contributions from a host of players.

Not satisfied with just one win, the Cats kept the ball rolling in the second match of the day, downing North Gem 25-14, 25-16, 20-25, 15-25 and 15-10 in a five set thriller.

Thornton again had a monster game, leading the Cats (15-5) with 12 kills, playing what her coach called her best volleyball of the year at the state tournament. Komanec added 35 assists, Cartmell three blocks, Macumber nine kills and Gustafson eight aces against North Gem.

“At the end, it was just pure will to win from my team. They did not want to let the ball hit the floor,” said a relieved Speelmon after her team’s second win. “Shaina fought hard and got everybody going.”

The Cats face the winner of the Dietrich/Camas County match at noon today, in the hunt for a state championship.

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