Yukon River Conference champion Russian Mission returns to Dimond High today to defend its Mixed-Six state volleyball title.

Also at Dimond, the Class 1-2-3A West tournament will crown a new champion, because last year's champion Bethel failed to earn one of the three Great Far North Conference berths to state.

Mixed-Six teams, including both boys and girls, play with a 7-foot-11 net -- about seven inches taller than the 1-2-3A West girls' nets.

Both tournaments conclude with championship matches on Saturday.

1-2-3A West Round Matches

2:00 p.m. -- Barrow vs. Skagway

3:45 p.m. -- Seldovia vs. Dillingham

5:30 p.m. -- Klawock vs. Kenny Lake

7:15 p.m. -- Kotzebue vs. Tok

Mixed-Six First Round Matches

2:00 p.m. -- Russian Mission vs. Unalakleet

3:45 p.m. -- Point Hope vs. Akiak

5:30 p.m. -- Golovin vs. Mountain Village

7:15 p.m. -- Newhalen vs. Noorvik

Tickets

Today and Friday -- adults $9, students and seniors $5.

Saturday consolations -- adults $8, students and seniors $5.

Saturday finals -- adults $10, students and seniors $5.