Snake River volleyball coach Shelli Van Orden expects a lot from her team at the state tournament this year. The Panthers are the only team from the Fifth District to make the 3A state tournament set for Oct. 30-31 in Coeur d'Alene, and she's positive that they will represent the district well.

"We're going in to win the whole thing," she said. "We're very confident and playing very well this year."

The Panthers earned a spot at state with a win Saturday in the Fifth District championship match.

Van Orden said this year's team is even stronger than last year's, which finished fourth in the state with a loss to St. Marie's.

"I have 12 good players," She said. "I can sub, and I won't get hurt in any way. I have great hitters, setters and passers. I have a whole team."

The Panthers are further helped by the fact that the team is completely healthy after battling the flu earlier in the season. "The stars are lining up for us," Van Orden said.

Snake River opens the tournament against defending state champion Sugar-Salem. The Diggers have played three matches against the Panthers this year, with Snake River winning twice.