by Greg Lincoln
Tuntutuliak Bluejay’s Ashton White hits the ball over the net during their game with Kake last Thursday in Palmer, Alaska at the 2023 State Mixed 6 Volleyball Championship tournament.
Tunt Bluejays get ready on the court at the State Mixed 6 finals.
The Tuntutuliak Bluejays, Aniak Halfbreeds, and the Scammon Bay Eagles advanced to the State Mixed 6 Volleyball tournament in Palmer, AK last weekend. These teams played against other 1A volleyball squads from across the state, November 30 – December 2, 2023, which included Anaktuvuk Pass, Buckland, Fort Yukon, Golovin, Gustavus, Kake, Nikolaevsk, Port Alsworth (Tanalian), White Mountain, and our local regional teams Aniak, Scammon Bay, and Tuntutuliak.
The Alaska Schools Activities Association, the statewide nonprofit organization that directs and develops Alaska’s high school sports, academic, and fine arts activities sponsored the tournament.
Congratulations to the Tuntutuliak Bluejays who were awarded the highest GPA Academic Award in the event.
Golovin emerged as the tournament champion with White Mountain coming in second.
In the first round on Thursday, Golovin beat Anaktuvuk Pass. The Bluejays defeated the team from Kake 25-20 and 25-22. Port Alsworth won over White Mountain. Gustavus also won their first match sending Nikolaevsk to the other side of the bracket.
Second round games featured Golovin beating Fort Yukon, and Buckland defeating the Tunt Bluejays. Also winning were Port Alsworth over Scammon Bay 25-14 and 25-12, and Gustavus over Aniak 26-24 and 25-6.
Friday’s matches included Anaktuvuk Pass defeating Aniak 25-18 and 25-12. Kake also won over the Scammon Bay team 25-13 and 25-15. White Mountain defeated the Tunt Bluejays 25-11 and 25-18.
Fort Yukon won their match against Nikolaevsk and Golvin beat Buckland. Port Alsworth defeated Gustavus and Anaktuvuk Pass won over Kake. White Mountain beat Fort Yukon and Anaktuvuk Pass defeated Buckland. White Mountain won against Gustavus and Golovin beat Port Alsworth.
Saturday, the final day of the tournament featured three games. Nunamiut beat White Mountain, White Mountain defeated Tanalian, and Golovin won the championship game against White Mountain 25-23, 25-12, and 25-20.
Congratulations to all state competitors, good job!
