By winning the first match against Mount Baker 3-0 on Saturday, South Whidbey volleyball punched its ticket to the tri-district tournament.

The Falcons had a shot at securing the third seed, but fell 3-1 to Nooksack Valley in the final match of the 1A District 1 tournament.

Facing the Mountaineers in the early game, the Falcons made quick work of the match, winning 25-20, 25-19, 25-18. Falcon junior hitter Anne Madsen recorded 16 kills and three aces, and senior setter Meagan Longdon logged 31 assists and three aces.

Madsen continued to score points against Nooksack Valley, recording 18 kills to accompany a stellar defensive performance with 19 digs. Fellow junior Abby Hodson chipped in 14 kills and four blocks.

Mackenzie Hezel, one of only two four-year starters for South Whidbey, found herself in the back row keeping the ball alive with 16 digs and 10 kills. Longdon played a stellar game with 58 assists, 12 digs and two aces.

South Whidbey’s senior libero, Chantel Brown, had 18 digs.

South Whidbey travels to face Bellevue Christian (12-3 Nisqually Conference, 13-3 overall) in a loser-out contest Thursday, Nov. 7. The winner is guaranteed a spot in the 1A state tournament.