YAKIMA — In-between the fourth and decisive fifth-set of Friday’s 1A volleyball state quarterfinal, La Center players ate a quick bite to refuel, iced where necessary, and even were fanned by assistant coaches.

When, if at all prior to this weekend’s Class 1A state tournament at the Yakima Valley SunDome, had the Wildcats had as much grit and determination to win a match? Especially trialing two sets to one in a state quarterfinal against a Cascade Christian team they’ve faced in the winner’s bracket in 2023 and 2024?

Bailey Espana and Aimee England couldn’t think of a more epic one than La Center’s 25-23, 22-25, 19-25, 25-20, 15-9 victory Friday to reach Saturday morning’s semifinal.

“We were really connected as a team,” Espana said. “We knew in our heart we wanted to win this game. It

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