Ellie Marble earns statewide honor for play at volleyball tourney

Ellie Marble delivered some big hits in Yakima for the state champion La Conner High School volleyball team this November.

In turn, Marble was a big hit with Washington Interscholastic Activities Association officials.

Marble was named the WIAA Athlete of the Week based on her play in leading the Lady Braves to a fourth consecutive 2B net title.

A 6'-0" senior outside hitter, Marble totaled 92 kills and 101 digs and was 68 of 72 on serve receive over four matches at the SunDome.

Marble and her teammates defeated Okanogan, Lind-Ritzville-Sprague and Manson in straight sets before downing longtime nemesis Colfax in four frames in the championship round.

Marble was especially impressive in the finale. She recorded 29 kills, 18 digs and two service aces against Colfax.

La Conner was seeded third in the 16-team field, behind Kalama and Manson. The Lady Braves avenged a regular season road loss to Manson in the semifinal round.

Colfax, which had defeated La Conner in five prior state finals meetings, knocked off No. 1 Kalama to set up yet another championship pairing.

This time it was La Conner that prevailed, posting a 25-12, 24-26, 25-19, 25-18 victory for the program's seventh state crown, all coming under the direction of Marble's mom, Hall of Fame head coach Suzanne Marble. This season she completed her 30th year with the team.

Before departing for Yakima, Ellie Marble signed her official letter of intent to play college volleyball at Central Washington University, joining an impressive list of La Conner standouts who have competed at the Ellensburg school.

Central Washington coaches, like the WIAA leadership, had to like what they saw of Marble in Yakima. The Athlete of the Week Award is exhibit one.

Each week the WIAA and Gesa Credit Union recognizes Washington student-athletes for outstanding performances and impactful contributions in their communities. Eligibility for the statewide honor is also based on solid work in the classroom.