The PHS Volleyball team is 2-2 to start off the season. The Vikings only lost one set to the defending two-time state winners, Auburn Riverside. Senior Carlie Strom had 16 digs, which is when a player digs an attack from the other team. Setter Adele Holland had 19 assists, which is when a player gets the second ball and it is turned into a kill, which is when a hitter puts the ball down on the opposing side of the court for a point. Middle Hitter Vivianne Vindivich had three blocks, which is when a front row player stops the ball from coming over to their side, and finally, outside hitter Sophia Spoja had 18 kills.
Puyallup defeated Riverside after losing the past three times the two have matched up, once in Non-League play, twice in postseason. According to Sophomore Adele Holland, the win was a triumphant one.
“There was obvious tension because of their win over us last year. We decided to regroup and pull ourselves together as a team. It was so fun when we won – the energy was through the roof. I was so excited and I love my team,’’ Holland said.
On sept tenth, the Vikings played against Tahoma High School, losing in four sets. Puyallup led in the first set with 26-24, then 22-25,14-25 and 22-25 the following matches. Leading in statistics was Spoja with 10 kills and 16 digs. Holland had 19 assists and Cara Maguire’s three blocks. Strom led in aces for the match.
According to Head Coach and PHS teacher Tony Batinovich, he is excited to match up against Tahoma once again.
“Tahoma is a great team. They’re going to get better but so are we. I am excited to see them again in post season, because I know we will,” Batinovich said.
Tahoma lost to Puyallup at their home gym last season in a set to five, however, Tahoma came back at the State Tournament and earned the fifth-place title in a game of five as well.
Bouncing back from the loss, Puyallup hosted Graham Kapowsin the next day. Puyallup lost the first set of five 23-25, then scored 25-22, 23-25, 25-23 and 16-14 in the remaining sets. Spoja lead the Vikings to a win with 23 kills, 26 digs, six aces and three blocks. Holland had 52 assists as well.
In the third game of the week, PHS took on their long time rival, the Rogers Rams, beating them in a 3-0 match. Maguire led the game with two blocks and 13 digs. Spoja led with five aces and 13 kills and Holland led in assists at 21.
According to new Rogers head coach, Kelly Kim, she is confident in regards to finishing top three in SPSL League, despite their loss at home on Sept. 18.
“I think we were all really nervous. We know how to support each other but we didn’t do a very good job at it,” Kim said.
Kim says that the desire and love for volleyball on the team is astounding.
“The players have so much love and energy for volleyball,” Kim.
Kim says she is excited that she has been welcomed into Rogers with open arms, not just by the players but by the parents and staff as well.
The following week, the Vikings went to Kentridge and lost in five sets. Strom led the Vikings in digs at 23 while Spoja lead with 23 kills. Middle Hitter Sara Scovatto lead in aces with three, along with blocks at two.
Nobi Johnson
