Woodinville volleyball happy to be second at invitational

AUBURN — The disappointment was evident.

But so was the pride, and the promise.

The Woodinville volleyball team reached the championship match of the Puget Sound Adidas Invitational Saturday before losing to Sam Barlow from Gresham, Ore.

It was an impressive performance, especially since it came without the services of one of its best all-around players, junior Allie Forde.

Forde, a 6-foot-1 outside hitter, had minor knee surgery a week ago, but is expected to return within the next two weeks. Finishing second without her in a 24-team field that included several ranked teams was a confidence booster.

"I think we really impressed ourselves," senior setter Carmen Vasilatos said. "A lot of people didn't think we'd be as good without her, and I think we're proving to people we can do it with or without her, but it will definitely help when she's healthy."

The Falcons, ranked No. 3 in Class 4A, played Sam Barlow tough early before losing 25-23, 25-12. The second set was tied at 10 before the Bruins ran away with it.

"We just got worn down and lost faith in ourselves a little bit," coach Mike Mills said.

Danielle Towslee, who led Woodinville with seven kills and two aces, said the team would benefit from the experience.

"Losing is always disappointing," she said, "but from that you definitely always learn things you need to work on that will make us better."

Sam Barlow, which lost five starters from the team that placed sixth in Oregon's 6A state tournament last season, is coached by LaToya Harris, a former four-time all-Pac-10 selection at Washington State. It was the team's first appearance in the tourney, but Harris said she plans to make it an annual event.

Host Auburn Mountainview, ranked No. 10 in Class 3A, finished a strong third after losing 2-0 to the Bruins in the semifinals, and coach Momi Bowles said she was "ecstatic" with the Lions' overall performance.

Rogers of Puyallup took fourth after catching fire in the afternoon and going 6-0 in the second round.

Seattle Prep, last year's tournament champion which currently is ranked No. 2 in Class 3A, had a rocky afternoon and finished 18th. Auburn Riverside, No. 5 in 4A, also was erratic and took 17th, beating Prep in the bronze division final.

Burlington-Edison, a strong 2A team, beat Kamiak of Mukilteo for fifth and sixth places, while Tahoma took seventh and Archbishop Murphy eight.

Two other 3A ranked teams finished lower than expected as No. 7 Prairie of Brush Prairie wound up 21st and No. 9 Shadle Park of Spokane took 10th.

Sandy Ringer: 206-718-1512 or sringer@seattletimes.com