RAPID CITY - White River was crowned the champions of the 14th annual Lakota Nation Invitational volleyball tournament Saturday afternoon at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, defeating Todd County in the championship game, 25-19, 25-16.

The championship match-up was a fitting final match-up to the tournament as White River and Todd County were the only two teams to emerge from the grueling 50-match pool play schedule unscathed.

White River went 7-0 in its pool before dispatching Custer in the semifinals, 25-11,

25-13, while Todd County also swept through pool play without a loss before advancing to the title tilt with a semifinal win over Pine Ridge, 25-21, 25-22.

In the championship match, the first point was perhaps a foreshadowing of what would follow. After a couple of volleys, White River junior Caitlin Whiting - the tourney MVP - took a pass from setter Chelse Ludvik - the tourney's outstanding setter - and dinked a soft return into an unoccupied area of the Todd County court.

That pattern would repeat time and time again throughout the match as the White River hitters did an outstanding job of finding open space, often with little dump shots just out of reach.

"They are a really smart team," said Todd County coach Lema Leader Charge. "They scouted us well and knew our weaknesses. We have had some trouble defending in the middle of the court and they took advantage of that."

White River coach Deb Zens emphasized that she coaches her hitters not just to slug away, but to look for open court.

"I stress to my hitters that the best teams are those that can mix up their attack," Zens said. "So while we can hit the ball hard, we also look for open court whenever possible."

Whiting dominated net play in the early going with a scintillating array of booming hits, quick set attacks and frustrating just out of reach taps as White River inched slowly ahead.

"Caitlin is not only an awesome athlete but she is a great young lady," Zens said. "You ask her to do anything in the gym and she's there. She had not missed an open gym in the last two years and the maturity really shows in how she plays the game."

When Whiting wasn't putting away well-placed Ludvik sets, junior Shelby Horsley stood out with her all around play. With the score still close at 15-13, Horsley saved a couple of points with outstanding digs and won two points with cross-court kills from her left outside hitter position.

"She is an animal," said coach Zens. "I love the way Shelby plays. She is a girl people don't expect much from but she not only can hit the ball, she does whatever I ask of her and besides that, I believe she is one of the best passers in the state."

Todd County broke on top early in the second game, but White River overcame a 3-7 deficit drawing even on a run of excellent serves by Kourtney Plooster. The Tigers then slowly expanded the lead behind the steady play of Whiting, Ludvik and Horsley. Finally, up 24-16, sophomore Marisa Medicine Bear - who joined the team a couple of weeks ago recovering from injuries - put the final point on the board with a textbook block.

Zens was thrilled with the play of her team.

"Wow! It's been exhausting but a lot of fun too. I'm absolutely amazed at how well my girls played this weekend."

Whiting led White River in kills with 14 while Horsley added six. The two also led their team in digs with 20 apiece. Setter Ludvik concluded her outstanding tournament with 21 assists, successfully completing 61-of-64 opportunities.

Todd County seniors Shelby Hunger and Jordan Rahn led their team in kills while Christine Crow Eagle contributed 18 assists and Cassie Prue had 8 digs.