Ridgefield, WA – The Ridgefield Spudders have once again risen to the pinnacle of Class 2A volleyball, securing the state championship at the Yakima Valley SunDome on Saturday night. Entering the tournament as the No. 4 seed, the Spudders swept No. 2 seed Ellensburg to claim the title, delivering a triumphant moment for the school, the Greater St. Helens League, and Clark County families.
Semifinal comeback fuels championship run
The semifinal match against top‑seed and defending champion Lynden will be remembered as the turning point of the tournament. Lynden jumped out to a two‑set lead, but Ridgefield rallied with determination, winning the next three sets to advance to the final. The comeback highlighted the Spudders’ resilience and the depth of talent cultivated by the program.
Back‑to‑back titles return after a brief hiatus
Ridgefield previously captured consecutive state titles in 2018 and 2019 before the pandemic halted competition in 2020. The team then finished as runner‑up for three straight years, each time falling to league rival Columbia River, which dominated the 2A scene with four straight championships from 2021‑2024. This year’s victory restores the Spudders to the top of the league and re‑establishes Clark County’s presence on the state stage.
Impact on the community and school spirit
Local parents and alumni gathered at the SunDome to cheer the Spudders, underscoring the importance of high‑school athletics in fostering community pride and family togetherness. The championship run has energized students across the district, reinforcing the values of teamwork, perseverance, and faith‑centered leadership that the school emphasizes.
Other Clark County sports highlights
While volleyball stole the spotlight, Clark County’s girls’ soccer teams also advanced deep into their state tournaments. In Class 4A, Camas (the 10‑seed) defeated Skyview 5‑1 and will meet No. 3 Mount Si in the semifinals. In Class 2A, Columbia River continued its strong showing by beating W.F. West 3‑0, and Ridgefield earned a semifinal berth with a 2‑1 win over Sehome. The Rapids will face No. 4 West Valley of Spokane, while the Spudders will meet No. 2 Bainbridge.
In the Class 1A soccer bracket, Seton Catholic (seeded No. 2) triumphed over The Bush School 2‑1 in overtime and will play No. 3 Cedar Park Christian of Bothell in the next round. The top four seeds in that division have all advanced to the final four, highlighting the depth of talent across the county.
Swimming achievements add to the week’s success
Clark County athletes also shone in the pool. Columbia River’s Raegan Zaemann captured the 100‑yard breaststroke title at the Class 2A state swimming championships in Federal Way and contributed to her team’s victory in the 400‑yard freestyle relay. Additionally, Jackson Bowlby of Hudson’s Bay earned first place in both the 50‑yard freestyle adaptive and 50‑yard backstroke adaptive events, showcasing the inclusive spirit of high‑school sports.
The 2A and 1A state volleyball championships were held this week, with the 4A and 3A titles scheduled for next week. As the season draws to a close, Ridgefield’s championship run stands as a testament to the dedication of coaches, student‑athletes, and supportive families throughout Clark County.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
