The Auburn Mountainview volleyball team ended its season with a 1-2 performance at the state 3A tournament in Kennewick last weekend.

The Lions (17-6) fell 3-0 to eventual state champion Bishop Blanchet in the first round. Game scores were 23-25, 18-25 and 13-25.

“We came out pretty excited to play Bishop Blanchet, but had some ball control problems,” coach Momi Bowles said. “We did a good job of handling Summer Nash in the front court, but she really killed us with her serve.”

Caitlin Carr led Auburn Mountainview defensively with 12 digs, with Alex Odren chipping in with 10. Alexi Morton had eight kills and Melissa Arias had 20 assists.

“After that, we responded well and beat Columbia River,” Bowles said.

Forced into the consolation bracket, the Lions rebounded with a 3-0 victory over Columbia River. Game scores were 26-24, 25-22 and 25-23.

Morton led the team with 15 kills and four blocks and Arias added 25 assists and 15 digs. Carr had six kills, four blocks and 22 digs.

In Auburn Mountainview’s third match, the Lions found themselves facing a familiar South Puget Sound League 3A foe, Lakes (17-9).

“We came up a little short in a five-game set against Lakes,” Bowles said.

The meeting marked the fourth time the two teams had met this season, with the Lions coming out on top twice during the regular season and the Lancers winning both postseason meetings, including a 3-2 win at the state tourney.

Lakes overpowered Auburn Mountainview with scores of 19-25, 25-23, 17-25, 25-17 and 15-5.

Odren had 24 digs with Morton adding 20 kills. Tricia Patton had 16 digs and Arias chimed in with 40 assists and 14 digs. Fuasko had 13 kills and Carr had three blocks and 13 digs.

The Lions ended the season with their fourth straight state tournament appearance, as well as the SPSL 3A regular-season title.

“We were just 10 points short of some hardware,” Bowles said, “but we’re taking this as some growing pains and something to build on for next year’s team.”