The Cashmere Bulldogs kept their perfect season rolling Thursday night, sweeping Kiona-Benton in dominant fashion in an SCAC road match. The Bulldogs won in straight sets — 25-8, 25-9, 25-16 — to improve to 7-0 in league play and remain unbeaten in sets this season.

Cashmere’s serving game overwhelmed the Bears early and often. Senior Hazel Schade led the way with 6 aces and added 3 kills. Junior Taylor Kunz was equally effective with 5 aces, 3 kills, and a team-high 6 digs. Junior Teagan Kerns chipped in with 3 aces and 4 kills.

The Bulldogs also got solid offensive contributions from junior Faith Courtney and junior Macie Smart, who each recorded 3 kills. Sophomore Harper Kerns added 4 kills, and junior Makenzie Van Bogart had 2. Junior setter Cali Diaz filled up the stat sheet with 5 aces, 11 assists, and 2 kills. Defensive specialist Mandy Barba contributed 5 digs in the win.

With the win, Cashmere remains the team to beat in the SCAC and looks more dominant with each match.

Next up: a highly anticipated non-league showdown on Monday at Chelan. The Bulldogs, ranked No. 3 in the latest 1A state rankings, will face off against the defending state champion Chelan Goats, who are currently ranked No. 2.

Chelan has been the gold standard in 1A volleyball, winning five consecutive state titles — a streak that began in 2019 (with no tournament held in 2020 due to COVID-19). The Goats have captured state championships in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, establishing a dynasty in the 2020s.

Monday’s matchup promises to be a marquee battle between two of the top programs in the state — and a potential preview of what’s to come in the postseason.