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The excitement and upsets continue in the volleyball realm.  An upset, by definition, is something out of the ordinary or a result that shocks or surprises people due to prior rankings or knowledge of politics.  With that said, just because a team is considered an underdog or has a lower ranking than another team prior to playing them doesn't necessarily make it an upset.  Many "upsets" this week featured teams whose play seems to be similar in stature.

In Idaho's high school volleyball scene this past week, many high ranking teams fell to lower ranked opponents but this is a crazy trend that is happening nationwide!  It's interesting to see as more teams are on the rise and others that were previously dominant lose consistency.  Once again, it is amazing to see the growth of the game.  This week alone saw many programs who were ready to battle no matter the ranking or opponent!  We will focus on the hard work and dedication of all teams who earn it as it takes so much to have a top ranking and a win, but the main recognition will always go to the team who earned the win.

Kimberly is a tough team as they are Idaho's 3A defending state champion and they brought back several key players and added a ton of young talent to their current roster.  The Bulldogs were ranked #1 at MaxPreps and according to the IdahoSports.com Coaches Poll this past week.  Again, earning these accolades takes dedication and drive.  Kimberly faced a similar opponent this week, Snake River, which is also a high ranking squad.

Snake River is currently ranked 5th in 3A volleyball according to MaxPreps and are 3rd in the IdahoSports.com Coaches Poll.  These two have already faced off once earlier this season, and Kimberly came out on top.  The rematch came last week, where Snake River reversed the trend and earned the win in three sets.

Snake River has top performers in the Idaho 3A ranks for hitting percentage, kills, total blocks, assists, and digs.  Reese Baldwin led her team in kills in the win over Kimberly and currently leads all of 3A in kills!  She is also a top performer in hitting percentage, digs, total blocks, and service aces for the season.  Reese is a dedicated, dynamic player who uses her experience and works hard every ball.

Snake River is full of skilled athletes as they also boast senior setter Zoey Watt, senior Libero Madison Watt, senior middle Taylee Carlson, and two senior defensive specialists in Josephine Cook and Cassidy Bingham.  All have cracked the stats leaderboards in Class 3A.  This team continues to prove their ability and how well-rounded they are!  Keep working girls!  We are so excited to continue to watch you this season and are proud of your progression!

Also face off last week, were two top 1AD1 teams, as the #1 ranked Murtaugh Red Devils battled the #4 Butte County Pirates.  It was a tight four set battle, where the Stanger cousins (Ady and Ashlee) led Murtaugh in kills and digs for the night, but Butte County's depth was a little more balanced in earning the win.  Butte County's Tavie Rogers and Cambree Lyon led the Pirates in kills and blocks not just for that game, but for have led the entire season.  This dynamic duo is explosive and adept. 

Butte County is a young team with only two seniors on the roster, but it's just the beginning for this young group as they've faced much adversity with injuries early on.  Watching this team come together and take on pressure is what this game is all about!  Learning to adapt to the hand dealt to you and how to overcome the pressure and challenges that arise is what we love to see in the emotional game called volleyball!  Butte County is doing just that and we can't wait to continue to watch their progress!  Keep going girls!

Up north, we saw a clash between familiar foes, Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls.  Both teams went into the game undefeated, so we knew we were in for a good time.  This game went back and forth constantly and both teams weren't making the easy mistakes.  This led to a tied game at many points and both teams were playing scrappy to win each ball.

Kylie Munday led the way for Post Falls in the win.  Kylie had 20 kills against the Vikings last week with a hitting percentage over .500!  This means she is taking the aggressive risks while keeping control and limiting her errors.  Kylie is also the current 5A leader in hitting percentage and ranks in the top four for all of Idaho!

Also helping lead the Trojans to victory was senior outside hitter Vanessa Kison.  She led her team in digs for the night, talllying up 14 during the match.  Kison also added two blocks, two aces and five kills.  The Trojans have so much potential and they have set high goals ahead!  We are so excited for their future!  Keep going girls!