Ferndale volleyball beats Snohomish 3-0 to advance

Ferndale volleyball defeated Snohomish 3-0 on Tuesday to advance in the 3A District 1 playoffs.

The Golden Eagles won the sets 25-13, 25-12, and 25-20 in front of their home crowd. This victory marks the second time in two years that Ferndale has beaten Snohomish in the district bracket to move forward. The win positions Ferndale to compete for one of four state tournament berths available in the district.

Ferndale has a strong history in recent postseasons. The team has missed the state tournament only once since 2013, which occurred in 2023. During that period, the Golden Eagles captured four district championships in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021. They also won state titles for five consecutive years from 2016 to 2021. The current senior class was a freshman team when Ferndale missed state in 2023. They lost a state play-in match as sophomores in 2024 and were eliminated in the opening round of the state tournament last season after winning a play-in in Yakima.

Coach Tanis said the team expects to win its next match and aims to go as far as possible in the tournament. The seniors are playing for each other as they realize they have only four to six games remaining in their high school careers. Tanis noted that the team has more offensive weapons this year and has adopted a motto to punch first. She emphasized that aggression is key and that the players sometimes tip the ball too much.

Teia Dube recorded the highest number of kills for Ferndale in the win over Snohomish. She finished with 13 kills, 12 digs, and one block. Junior middle blocker Adelle Overson had eight kills and two-and-a-half blocks. Svetlana Baydak contributed seven kills, 12 digs, and three blocks. Senior setter Brooklyn Larrabee had a comprehensive performance with 31 assists, 16 digs, seven kills, and four aces.

Overson credited the team's steady back row and consistent lifting of one another when facing challenges. She said the players prepared, tried hard, and adjusted during the match. The team is refining individual skills while improving communication to recover quickly from setbacks.

The seven seniors leading the team include offensive players Baydak and Dube on the outside. Larrabee sets the ball for other senior players Sarvir Bhachu, Sienna Brionez, and Jordyn Tweddle. Senior libero Ashley Pietig provides defensive leadership. Tanis said the team made its serves difficult and used serve receives to run the offense through Overson and others. She praised Larrabee for spreading the offense and getting other players involved.

Ferndale will face Everett in the 3A District 1 semifinals at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, at Stanwood High School. The Golden Eagles lost to Everett in a five-set semifinal match in 2025, which sent them to the district consolation bracket. Tanis said the team likes playing Everett and views it as a good rivalry. The focus remains on playing for each other and staying present.

A victory over Everett will send Ferndale to the state tournament and the district championship match. The championship game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, in Stanwood. If Ferndale loses to Everett, it will play a winner-to-state, loser-out match on Saturday at noon.