Sequim’s comeback stuns Bainbridge

The Bainbridge Spartans fell 3-2 to Sequim on their home court Sept. 28.

Despite taking a 2-0 lead, the Spartans failed to execute and dropped three straight sets.

Spartans’ defense led the team to win the first two sets. In the first set, Bainbridge took a 14-6 lead because of multiple kills from middle blockers Isabel White and Holley McFadden. The duo also blocked several shots from Sequim’s outside hitters, boosting their lead to 21-12. Sequim rallied but not enough to come back, falling 25-17.

Sequim took an early 4-1 lead in the second set. Yet, libero Emma Pendleton became the hero for the Spartans. Pendleton made multiple diving saves, including a dig that nearly sent her through the doors of the gym.

Bainbridge and Sequim battled back and forth, before tying 24-24. The Spartans ended up taking the second set 26-24 on two controversial calls. The 25th point came on a close out-of-bounds call from Sequim’s Kendall Hastings kill. The 26th point was another out-of-bounds call that potentially tipped one of the Spartans’ fingers. However, the referees decided it did not and the Spartans won the set.

Sequim took the next two sets, taking a 13-6 lead in the third. Bainbridge’s defense fell apart, giving up aces on communication issues and cross-court kills. Although Bainbridge sparked an offense, Sequim came away with a 25-20 win.

Sequim dominated the fourth set, scoring eight of the first 10 points and winning 25-12.

In the deciding set, the Spartans took an early 3-1 lead. However, Sequim responded and captured a 9-5 lead before Bainbridge called a timeout. The Spartans came out of the timeout with urgency, tying the game at 10-10. Yet, Sequim had the final word, winning the fifth set 15-11.

Emma Pendleton’s defense led to the Spartans’ offensive success in the first two sets.

Emma Pendleton’s defense led to the Spartans’ offensive success in the first two sets.

Isabel White was one of Bainbridge’s main offensive weapons against Sequim.

Isabel White was one of Bainbridge’s main offensive weapons against Sequim.