La Center volleyball reaches 1A district final

The La Center volleyball team beat Elma and King’s Way Christian on Wednesday to earn a berth in the Class 1A district championship match and clinching a trip to the state tournament.

The Wildcats beat Elma in three sets (25-6, 25-13, 25-15) in the first round, then beat King’s Way in four (25-14, 25-19, 23-25, 25-13) in the semifinals. La Center will face Montesano at 3 p.m. Saturday in Castle Rock for the district title.

Laynie Erickson had 10 kills and 10 digs against Elma and 14 kills, 18 digs and three blocks against King’s Way.

Abby England had seven digs and four aces against Elma and 30 digs and four aces against the Knights.

King’s Way Christian opened with a 3-0 win over Hoquiam (25-13, 25-20, 25-19) before falling to La Center.

The Knights must win two matches on Saturday to earn a state berth — the first against Columbia-White Salmon at 10 a.m. in Castle Rock.

Julia Sprowls had 15 kills, 12 digs and seven aces in the loss to La Center.