The Aberdeen Bobcats split their two games at the 2A District 4 Tournament on Thursday to keep their season – and hopes of a state-playoff berth – alive.

PREP VOLLEYBALL ROUNDUP

Aberdeen 3, Washougal 2

Aberdeen kept its season alive by winning a five-set thriller over Washougal in a 2A District 4 Tournament elimination game on Thursday in Tumwater.

The Bobcats (10-7 overall) defeated the Panthers (10-9) by scores of 25-17, 22-25, 25-20, 20-25 and 15-12.

”We challenged ourselves mentally to stay in the game and fight,” Aberdeen head coach Desiree Glanz said. “(Washougal) had great ball placement, but again, our defense was unstoppable picking up anything and everything. We are all in and ready for Round 2 on Saturday.”

Aberdeen served well in the match, led by seniors Claire Mottinger and Cameryn Micheau, who combined to go 47-for-53 (88.7%) from the service line.

Micheau added 40 assists and 27 digs while junior middle blocker Lilly Camp had a double-double with 11 kills and 10 digs.

Senior Annika Hollingsworth led the Cats offensive attack with a game-high 21 kills.

Freshman libero Sophie Knutson had 28 digs to lead Aberdeen’s defensive effort.

With the win, Aberdeen will face the loser of the Black Hills-Columbia River semifinal at 1 p.m. Saturday at Tumwater High School in a winner-to-state elimination game.

Washougal 17 25 20 25 12 – 2

Aberdeen 25 22 25 20 15 – 3

Leading players: Aberdeen – Mottinger (20-24 service, ace, 9 digs, 3 assists, 2 kills); Micheau (27-29 service, 27 digs, 40 assists, 2 kills); Knutson (10-12 service, 28 digs); Camp (11-15 service, ace, 4 blocks, 11 kills, 10 digs); A. Yakovich (10-14 service, 3 aces, 7 digs); Hollingsworth (block, 21 kills); Strickland (8 kills, 12 digs); Lamont (2 kills, 3 digs).

JOSH KIRSEHNBAUM | THE CHRONICLE Aberdeen senior Claire Mottinger serves during the second set of Aberdeen 3-0 loss to Ridgefield in the first round of the 2A District 4 Tournament on Thursday in Tumwater.

Ridgefield 3, Aberdeen 0

Aberdeen was put on the brink of elimination with a straight-set loss to Ridgefield in the quarterfinal round of the 2A District Volleyball Tournament on Thursday at Tumwater High School.

The Bobcats played well, staying close to the No. 2 Spudders (15-3), which featured two 6-footers and one player standing at 6-foot-5.

Aberdeen lost by scores of 25-23, 25-19 and 25-22.

“It was the best I’ve seen my team play,” Aberdeen head coach Desiree Glanz said. “We battled defensively with superb coverage and serve-receive. We played very smart offensively with excellent placement.”

Aberdeen setter Cameryn Micheau led the Bobcats with 14 assists while libero Sophie Knutson had a team-best eight digs.

With the loss, Aberdeen faced Washougal in an elimination game later Thursday evening in Tumwater.

Aberdeen 23 19 22 – 0

Ridgefield 25 25 25 – 3

Leading players: Aberdeen – Mottinger (9-12 service, ace, 3 digs); Micheau (3 aces, 14 assists, 7 digs); Camp (4 kills, dig, block); A. Yakovich (6 digs, assist); Strickland (5 kills, 6 digs); Hollingsworth (5 kills, dig); Lamont (2 kills); Knutson (8 digs); Richie (dig).

Other scores

1B District 4 Tournament

Columbia Adventist 3, Willapa Valley 1