North Kitsap volleyball swept the Bainbridge Spartans with a pair of late rallies and a dominating third set, winning 25-23, 25-21 and 25-15 Sept. 12.
“It’s amazing,” coach Kaelea Makaiwi said. “We were down by five or six points and to come back one at a time, we are slowly improving every game.”
Bainbridge’s Holley McFadden and Emma Pendleton led the Spartans offensively and defensively to take an early 5-1 lead. In addition, Jameson Payne earned a few kills to keep the Spartans ahead. However, the Vikings kept the set within a few points throughout.
“We made some big changes to the defense because I knew what they were going to do,” Mak said.
Halfway through the set, the Viking role players began taking over.
“Everyone off the bench, no matter how big or small, they were in there contributing,” Mak said. “It’s exciting because [Coriana McMillian, Racine Irvine and Silvia Okunami] are two sophomores and a freshman playing big roles.”
Although the Vikings took the first set thanks to their depth, the Spartans struck early in the second set. Noella Rosentrater began setting McFadden and Payne for kills. However, the Viking role players again took over to claim the second set.
With the Spartans’ backs against the wall, Viking Teegan DeVries showcased one of her best games on the court. She picked up aces, dove to keep plays alive, blocked McFadden and others, and picked up kills.
“She has always been struggling with her hits but she found a few,” Mak said. “She played a big defensive role for us.”
The Vikings claimed the last set when McMillian served and the role players dominated at the net, handing the Vikings their first league win of the season. The Spartans’ loss kept them winless.
North Kitsap celebrates its first league win.
Holley McFadden shines despite the Spartan loss.
Bainbridge’s Jameson Payne battles North Kitsap’s Teegan DeVries at the net.
