Volleyball Recap: Bulldogs Roll, Panther Falls to Kennedy Catholic

Seattle Prep (5-1) vs. Kennedy Catholic (4-0)

The Kennedy Catholic Lancers won 3-0 to stay undefeated against Seattle Prep Panthers, who were hunting for another win to add to their four-game winning streak.

Kennedy Catholic won the first set 24-16, with Dani Turcinec’s winning kill. The junior setter and outside hitter did not disappoint, chipping in another eight kills this game. Adding to Kennedy Catholic’s success, Vivian Yount and Samantha Lazer, both junior middle hitters, had five kills of their own. Along with Yount’s powerful swing, she had many amazing blocks to keep the Panthers away from victory.

On September 18th, Seattle Prep will face the undefeated West Seattle Wildcats at home, while the Kennedy Catholic Lancers wait until September 21st to take the road and play the Mount Rainer Rams.

Garfield (4-0) vs. Hazen (2-2)

The Hazen Highlanders lost 1-3 at home against the undefeated Garfield Bulldogs, who were first in the 3A Metro district last season.

The Hazen Highlanders had an exhilarating start to the match, winning the first set 25-23. Unfortunately for the Highlanders, the Bulldogs kicked into gear and won the second set 25-23. They maintained their momentum and won the third set 25-16. Determined to remain undefeated this season, the Bulldogs won the final set 25-18.

The Garfield Bulldogs are a powerhouse run by a majority of upperclassmen. Senior Taya Blankenship-Poydras led her team with 18 kills, followed by Senior Nicole Kwatinetz with 11 kills of her own. Kwatinetz earned her title of player of the match, chipping in 24 receptions and 15 digs. She is currently ranked third in the state for her 0.320 hitting percentage. The Bulldogs will lose four seniors next year, leaving big shoes to fill next season.

On September 18, the Garfield Bulldogs will take on the Rams at Ingraham High School. The Highlanders will stay at home and face Juanita High School, looking to turn around their two-game losing streak.

Lakeside (1-5) vs. Lake Stevens (5-3)

After going 1st in the 4A Wesco district last season, Lake Stevens remained successful and won 3-0 to the Lakeside Lions, hoping to turn around their five-game losing streak.

Lake Stevens started with a comfortable 25-9 win in the first set. The Lakeside Lions rose to the competition and tallied up 11 points in the second set. The Lions demonstrated strong effort in the third set as the match concluded when they lost by just 7 points.

Sisters Katelyn and Laura Eichert are a powerhouse on the court for Lake Stevens. Katelyn Eichert, a senior setter and captain, had 27 sets this match, supporting her position as second in the state for total assists. Following her sister’s success, Laura Eichert, a sophomore outside hitter, accumulated 19 points, making up for almost half of the team’s kills. Laura Eichert is currently ranked third in the state for total kills. Be sure to watch for the Eichert sisters, as they have a bright future ahead of them in their volleyball careers.

Up next, both teams will play away in non-district matchups. Lake Stevens will take on Lynden High School on September 18, and the Lakeside Lions will face Henry M. Jackson High School on September 19.

Eastside Catholic (2-2) vs. Skyline (4-3)

Skyline High School earned another win, going 3-0 after a hard-fought match with its neighboring school, Eastside Catholic.

This was truly a tight game in all three sets. Eastside Catholic did not give up after being defeated 17-25 in the first set. They gained four more points than their previous score before losing the second set 21-25. Unfortunately for Eastside Catholic, they could not match up to the intensity of the Spartans and lost 16-26 in the final set.

Freshman Carly Maginnis, an outside hitter for Skyline, was selected as player of the match, chipping in 10 kills of her own. As a new addition to the Skyline volleyball team, Maginnis already shows great potential to be a key player for the Spartans in her high school years.

Next up, Eastside Catholic will hit the road and face Roosevelt High School on September 18. On September 19, Skyline will stay at home, looking to continue their winning streak against one of their biggest rivalries, Eastlake High School.

Featured Image Credit: Kennedy Catholic