Crosshill Christian, the 2A runner-up last year, won the title Saturday by defeating Clatskanie in the state final.

LA GRANDE — Crosshill Christian was denied a state title last year by Salem Academy, but Saturday night, the Eagles dominated from start to finish for a 25-19, 25-10, 25-8 victory over Clatskanie to claim the OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union 2A title at Eastern Oregon University.

“It’s such a joy to see these girls have a goal and work for it,” Crosshill Christian coach Julie Bennett said. “I expected a tight match. My girls said we are going to do this, and they did it well.”

The Tigers (24-5), playing in the title game for the first time in school history, had a hard time with the Eagles’ front line, which included 6-foot-4 senior Zoey Baker, 6-foot freshman Payton Kaufman and 5-11 senior Sierra Poush.

“They were really nervous in the first set,” Clatskanie coach Amanda Baker said of her team. “I’m so proud of all the heart and commitment they put into this season. It’s hard because we set really big goals at the start of the season. We made it here and made school history. They played their hearts out.”

After cruising through the first two sets, the Eagles took control of the third early, taking a 17-7 lead and forcing a Clatskanie timeout.

Kaufman, who served a string of points, continued after the time out, reeling off six points, including three aces. A net violation gave the ball back to the Tigers, but Lacey Willis put the ball out of play to give the Eagles a 24-8 lead.

Sophomore Ellie Alexander, playing her first match since September because of an injury, laid down the the final kill that gave Crosshill Christian the victory.

Baker led the Eagles with 11 kills, three blocks and three aces, while Kaufman had eight kills and three aces, Hannah Dripps 15 assists and Ellie Bartel nine kills and 14 digs.

“The seniors are a unique group of girls,” Bennett said. “They have been with me since they were freshmen. There were tears before the match was over because it was over. They love the game and they love each other.”

Baker was named to the all-tournament first team, and was the Eagles’ Moda Health Player of the Game.

“She works so hard,” Bennett said. “She serves bullets and she wants to play defense. She is a well-rounded player.”

Willis, a junior, led the Tigers with 11 kills, three blocks and five digs. She was a first-team tournament selection and the Clatskanie Moda Health Player of the Game. Addy Compton added 14 assists and seven digs, while McKinsey Doyle had 12 digs.

“She is so special,” Baker said of Willis. “I can’t tell you the amount of work she puts into everything, from volleyball, to school and track. I have quite a few juniors (5) coming back. Hopefully we can make it back to this spot again.”