Naselle’s Bella Colombo, right, attended the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association state 1B volleyball tournament in Yakima on crutches. But that didn’t stop the junior from playing a key role in the Comets’ success. She is pictured with team managers Anii Laine, left, and Mylinh Schell.

NASELLE, Wash. — When Bella Colombo suffered a season-ending injury, it didn’t stop her contributing to her team’s state championship bid.

She showed up on the bench on crutches — and cheered her Comet volleyball teammates with gusto.

Naselle left the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association state 1B tournament in Yakima, Washington, with a fifth-place trophy.

And Colombo played her part.

The junior had injured her ACL in a tournament against Pe Ell late in the season.

But that didn’t stop her. As Naselle’s younger kids lined the school corridor for the traditional “On to state!” clapping send-off, Colombo — on crutches — almost raced to the van.

Team introductions before the first game at the SunDome included player No. 6, who waved to the crowd just like her teammates.

And as Morgan Reitz made the first serve in the first game against Pomeroy, it was as if Colombo was on the court with her.

Every time captain Peyton Dalton leaped up two-handed to set the ball — as she had all season — Colombo was there.

Every time strong net player Kaylin Shrives leaped for a spike — as she had all season — Colombo was there.

And every time libero Brynn Tarabochia stooped for a dig in the back court — as she had all season — Colombo was there.

“Comet Power,” Naselle’s enthusiastic chant, rang out from the spectators’ gallery. But it was a toss-up whether the throng of blue-and-yellow-clad adults was as loud as one 5-foot-4-inch teenager on the bench.

In the timeout huddle, coaches Rebekah Wirkkala and Hanna Higginbotham shaped plays to help their Comets soar. New colleague Kayti Updike, a 2014 Naselle graduate, provided fresh eyes to their coaching strategy.

Amid them all, Colombo teamed with managers Mylinh Schell and Anii Laine to provide the players refreshment and encouragement.

It helped Wirkkala’s squad that a Naselle track athlete, senior Echo Cenci, has developed into a skillful player and could fill a starting role.

“It’s hard not being in there,” Colombo said as the tournament progressed. “But it’s great seeing how good Echo is right now. I have 100% confidence in her.”

And her cheerleading role? “I’m glad that I can help keep spirits up,” she grinned.

Wirkkala was upset about Colombo’s injury, but not surprised by her contribution.

“Her heart is 100% on the court,” the coach said. “I get so emotional thinking about it. She should be on the court!”

The first-game bracket pitted Naselle against eastern Washington powerhouse Pomeroy.

After a few slips, the Comets won 25-20, 25-16, 25-12 to advance to the next round.

As the players embraced in a circle, Colombo, forgetting her crutches, hopped into the melee and joined the group hug. The winning team was complete.