The Moses Lake volleyball team has made incredible strides over the past few years, and the 2024 season was no exception. Despite falling just short of qualifying for the 4A State Volleyball Tournament, finishing one game away from making program history, the Mavericks have demonstrated remarkable growth and resilience. This year, Moses Lake volleyball finished with a 13-6 overall record, claiming third place in the district tournament, marking yet another step forward in a journey that started with an 0-11 season in 2021.
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A Program on the Rise
In just three seasons, the Mavericks have transformed from a struggling program into one that now competes fiercely in the Columbia Basin Big 9. From their rocky start in 2021, where they failed to win a single match, Moses Lake volleyball has steadily improved. The team won seven matches in 2022 and eight in 2023, but it was the 2024 season that truly turned heads, culminating in a solid 13-6 record. Their consistency and progress have not gone unnoticed, with head coach Krystal Trammell noting that the Mavericks are no longer overlooked.
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“They’re no longer overlooked, they are considered a threat in the Big 9,” said Trammell. “We saw that multiple times and multiple teams would say it’s going to come down to who is on for that day for that district spot. It could have been any of us.”
The Mavericks’ steady ascent to the top has earned them a place in the conversation about the top teams in the Big 9, and their 2024 performance solidified their position as a team to watch in the coming years.
A Late-Season Surge
The road to the state tournament wasn’t easy, but the Mavericks showed what they were capable of during the final stretch of the regular season. Following a tough 3-0 loss to Wenatchee on October 22, Moses Lake went on an impressive six-match winning streak that included some dominant performances. They swept Ephrata, Prosser, and Eisenhower 3-0 and triumphed 3-1 over Eastmont in their regular season finale, showing their ability to dominate opponents in all aspects of the game.
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“We knew our end game was to play for a berth to state, and they were excited,” Trammell said. “They knew where they were headed, and it was just a matter of being mentally tough and going into every match and practice and saying, ‘This is what we need to do to better ourselves every time out.’”
That mental toughness and focus were evident during their district play. The Mavericks defeated Eastmont 3-0 in the first round of districts, extending their winning streak to five games. Their confidence was soaring as they entered the match against West Valley (Yakima), where they achieved a historic 3-1 win on October 17, marking their first-ever victory over the Rams. That win secured a spot in the district semifinals and kept their state hopes alive.
The Road to the State Tournament
As Moses Lake prepared for their second-round match against Davis, it was clear that the Mavericks were a team to be reckoned with. They had won six consecutive matches, were playing with confidence, and were eager to secure a spot in the state tournament. However, Davis proved to be too much for Moses Lake in the second-place game of the district tournament, with the Pirates securing a 3-0 victory. Despite the loss, Moses Lake had shown they were on the brink of greatness.
“They had changed their offense a bit, and it seemed to be a little bit faster,” Trammell said. “Our blocks were having a little bit more difficulty getting to where they needed to be.”
The loss to Davis, while disappointing, highlighted the strides Moses Lake has made as a program. For the Mavericks, it was an opportunity to reflect on how far they’ve come and the work that still lies ahead. Trammell remains optimistic about the future of the team, pointing to their continued improvement as a key takeaway from the 2024 season.
“The girls have learned so much about the physical aspect of playing the game, but also the mental aspect and their skillset,” Trammell said. “Every year, their skillset gets better, the strategizing gets better; just the general knowledge and questions.”
A Season of Growth and Dedication
One of the most notable aspects of Moses Lake’s success in 2024 has been the growth of their players, both individually and as a team. The Mavericks have developed not only a stronger physical game but also a mental toughness that is crucial for competing at a high level. Trammell has seen her players grow more confident and knowledgeable, learning to read the game and make smart decisions in real-time.
“This year, they’re playing a smarter game,” Trammell explained. “They’re looking for the holes, they know where to set the ball, where to hit the ball around the blockers, and what’s open.”
The chemistry and understanding between teammates have also improved, with players developing a stronger bond both on and off the court. This team dynamic has contributed to their success and made them a more dangerous opponent for anyone in the Big 9.
The Impact of Senior Leadership
As with any successful team, leadership is key. Moses Lake will graduate four seniors this season: Rhylee Humphrey, Kaelsy Wiltbank, Makenna Stuart, and Madison Bond. These players have been integral to the Mavericks’ success over the past few years, and their leadership on the court will be greatly missed.
“They’ve been running the offense and holding down that defense,” Trammell said. “It’s going to be hard because you become attached, and you form those relationships with them; I just hope that they take with them what they’ve learned and use their experience here with us the last four years in their adult life.”
The senior class has set a strong example for the younger players on the team, showing them what it takes to compete at a high level and how to handle the mental and physical challenges that come with it. Their leadership and work ethic will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the program.
Looking Ahead to the Future
While the 2024 season may have ended just short of a state tournament appearance, the future of Moses Lake volleyball is bright. With a talented group of returning players, including underclassmen who have shown promise, the Mavericks are poised for continued success in the years to come.
Trammell is confident that her team will be back stronger next season, and she is already looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The goal of qualifying for the state tournament for the first time in program history remains a top priority, and with the continued growth of the team, it’s only a matter of time before Moses Lake volleyball achieves that milestone.
“We’re on our way,” Trammell said. “Every year, we continue to get better, and next year will be no different.”
As the Mavericks continue to improve and build on their successes, it’s clear that Moses Lake volleyball is a program to watch in the years ahead. With a dedicated coaching staff, a talented group of players, and a relentless drive to improve, the Mavericks are poised to make their mark on the state volleyball scene in the near future.
