Columbia River volleyball handed Ridgefield its first loss in nearly three years on Thursday, topping the Spudders in four sets.
It was Ridgefield’s first loss since the semifinals of the 2018 district tournament, a span of 51 matches.
Since that loss, also to River, the Spudders rolled to Class 2A state titles in 2018 and 2019.
Ridgefield was also unbeaten in a 12-match COVID-shortened season last spring and hadn’t dropped a set in 12 prior matches this season.
Thursday, Columbia River proved it’s worthy of its No. 2 ranking in the Class 2A statewide poll. The Rapids avenged their only loss this season, a three-set sweep by No. 1-ranked Ridgefield on Sept. 21.
The visiting Rapids took the first set 25-23 and the second 25-19. Ridgefield stayed alive by taking the third set 25-16, but River put away the match by winning the fourth set 25-20.
Rylie Reeves had 17 kills and 17 digs for the Rapids. Lauren Dreves added 12 kills and 16 digs. Caroline Hansen had 40 assists and 17 digs.
For Ridgefield, Natalie Andrew had a team-high 13 kills along with 15 digs. Paige Stepaniuk had 10 kills and 17 digs. Lizzy Andrew had 10 kills and seven blocks. Emily Paul had 26 digs.
