The Nooksack Valley volleyball team was able to rally late to earn a trip to the Class 1A State Tournament.

The Pioneers defeated Forest Ridge 25-18, 16-25, 25-27, 25-21, 15-9 at the Class 1A Tri-District Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 3, at King's High School. The win put Nooksack Valley (13-8) into the state tournament for the first time in six years.

"It was a tough match," Nooksack Valley coach Jennifer Simmons said in a phone interview. "Our seniors really stepped up and were great leaders."

McKenzie Impero led the Pioneers with 19 kills and Taryn Tenkley added 14 kills.

In the pivotal Game 5, Taylor Sletvik served 10 of the 15 points and had three aces.

"In Game 5 we had some tough serving," Simmons said.