YAKIMA — With just one loss prior to the 3A state volleyball tournament, Prairie hadn’t needed to bounce back from defeat this season.

Saturday, the Falcons showed that resiliency.

After falling to top seeded North Thurston in the state semifinals, Prairie set a simple goal — End the season with a win.

Prairie did that, beating Bellevue in four sets to clinch third place. It’s the program’s best finish since winning the state title in 2012.

“We wanted to end with a win,” senior libero Avery Eterno said. “Even though it didn’t go the way we all hoped and dreamed, we are so happy with where we are.”

No. 4 seed Prairie took the first set 25-17 against the No. 6 seed Wolverines. But after trailing 23-20 in the second set, the Falcons’ resolve was again tested.

Prairie rattled off five st

See Full Page