The North Kitsap girls volleyball team was knocked out of first-place contention Nov. 18, falling to Enumclaw 3-1 in the first round of the state playoffs.

The No. 10 Vikings came into the Yakima SunDome with a strong first set.

The Vikings and No. 7 Hornets were locked at 14-14, but NK senior Maddie Pryde earned a few points in a row on a drop shot, tip and ace. Seniors continued to carry the first set as middle blocker Mary Allen and setter Sophia Baugh were responsible for three of the last five points as North Kitsap won 25-22.

The Hornets responded in the second set. Left outside hitter Kennedy Pond dominated at the net throughout all four sets. In the second set, Pond was responsible for four of the first five Enumclaw points.

Since the Hornets controlled the net, they were able to place the ball in any location. Pond and middle blocker Bella Firnkoess were able to score willingly down the middle and left side of the court. NK’s backline scrambled the whole second set, falling 25-7.

NK freshman Iliana Brockett began to impact the game in the beginning of the third set with a couple of cross-court kills. Although the Vikings had an 8-6 lead, Brockett could not carry the offense on her own. Enumclaw clawed its way back and split points with the Vikings.

The two squads were tied at 15-15 before Enumclaw’s offense tore up the court again. Pond led the Hornets on a 10-5 run to take the third set 25-20.

NK came back fiery in the fourth set, taking a 4-0 lead. Mackenzie Phillips sparked the Vikings second wind. Yet, Enumclaw handled the momentum swing and bounced back.

The two squads were tied at 14-14 before Enumclaw went on a 10-1 run. Even though the Vikings earned a few points, they fell 25-18 in the last set.

The Vikings road to seventh-place starts at 5:45 p.m. against No. 15 Ephrata. If the Vikings win, they will have at least one more game Nov. 19 in the consolation semifinals.