Warriors sweep their way to first state volleyball title in more than two decades

Wasilla didn’t just win. The Warriors dominated.

Wasilla swept its way through the 2023 ASAA/First National Bank 4A State Volleyball Championships and earned its first state title in more than two decades.

The Warriors scored a 3-0 (25-12, 25-14, 25-21) over the East Anchorage Thunderbirds Saturday evening at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage.

This was the first time Wasilla has won a volleyball state championship since the Warriors beat Skyview in 2001. WHS head coach Katie Oxspring was overjoyed to witness her team reach such an exciting milestone.

"It just feels crazy," Oxspring said. "I knew they could do it if they played their best."

Oxspring marveled at her team's unwavering dedication towards a common goal while supporting each other every step of the way.

"I love that they did this for each other and they did this for the high school. It means a lot to this team who worked really really hard to make this happen," Oxspring said. "They genuinely love each other and want to see each other succeed."

Wasilla had won 14 straight matches entering the state finals, sweeping its way through the tournament, beating Dimond 3-0 and South 3-0 Thursday, and East 3-0 on Friday. The Warriors followed with another 3-0 win over the T-Birds in the final match of the double elimination tourney Saturday to cap their season.

Wasilla finished 8-0 in the Northern Lights Conference and won its second straight conference title.

"It felt really good to be able to do that against teams that have clearly been dominant in the past," Oxspring said. "I just love this team and I just love Warrior Nation."

WHS Activities Principal Stacia Rustad said that she was very proud of the coach and all the athletes under her direction.

'It's not easy what they did this year, going undefeated. It's just a great accomplishment for our volleyball program and we couldn't be more proud," Rustad said. "They're going to remember this for the rest of their lives."

Wasilla standout Rylee Pitney was thrilled about their remarkable victory.

"We worked really hard for it and it feels great," Pitney said.

Pitney said that she's been playing volleyball since she was 6 years old. She said that her favorite aspect of the sport has always been the people involved. She said it's a sport that's not only fun, but surrounded by support.

"The volleyball community is just amazing," Pitney said. "I can't think of a sport more entertaining than volleyball.”

Pitney and teammates Mylee Anderson, Layla Hays and Allison Devine were named to the all-tournament team.

Contact Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com.