Two high schools from downtown Fairbanks, Lathrop and Monroe Catholic, are set to represent the Interior at the Alaska Volleyball State Championships in Anchorage this week. Lathrop competes in the ASAA 4A tournament, while Monroe Catholic participates in the 3A tournament.
Lathrop clinched the Mid Alaska Conference (MAC) Tournament title by defeating West Valley in a thrilling five-set match on November 7. With a strong 38-9-2 record, Lathrop enters the 4A state tournament as a top seed and will face South Anchorage (31-10-3) on November 14 at 10 a.m. Notably, Lathrop previously lost to South Anchorage earlier this season in a two-set tournament match.
Depending on the outcome against South Anchorage, Lathrop will either proceed to the semifinals against Wasilla or Chugiak or enter the consolation bracket. Despite winning the MAC regular season title for the past three seasons, this marks their first state tournament appearance since 2022.
The Malemutes will be missing senior UAF commit Ruby Tansy due to a season-ending injury.
Meanwhile, Monroe Catholic, with a 22-23-5 record, will also compete at 10 a.m. on Thursday against Kenai Central, the top seed and reigning state champion. Depending on their performance, the Rams could face Kotzebue or Sitka in the semifinals.
Monroe Catholic secured a spot in the 3A state tournament after placing runner-up in the Aurora Conference, making their return to the state tournament after a year.
All matches will be available for streaming on the NFHS Network with a subscription.
