Kentwood was within a few points of a 4A state volleyball title but fell just short Nov. 12 against Olympia at Saint Martin’s University.
The Conks lost 3-2 (25-23, 18-25, 25-14, 25-6, 13-15) to the Bears after beating Kamiak 3-1 in the first round, sweeping South Puget Sound League North division rival Kent-Meridian in the second game, the beat Curtis of the SPSL South in the semi-final.
A week ago Kentwood lost to Olympia in the West Central District semi-final, so, the Conks knew what they were up against.
Kentwood coach Cindy Seims said via email it was tough for the team to have to settle for second place.
“The girls were disappointed to be so close and not get that coveted state title,” Seims wrote. “We were up in game five and just couldn’t get it done.
Though it was Kentwood’s eighth straight appearance and seventh trophy in that run, it was the school’s best finish since winning the state crown in 1986.
“We had an amazing season,” Seims wrote. “Our key all along was to have fun. Our girls play great when they are relaxed and savoring the moment.”
Senior setter Kacie Seims — who was voted the SPSL North MVP — and senior outside hitter Mikaela Ballou made the all tournament team. Ballou tallied 27 kills in the title match while Kacie Seims had 40 assists.
Meanwhile the other SPSL North teams in the tournament, Tahoma and Kent-Meridian, both missed out on a shot at a trophy.
Tahoma was eliminated in two games, finishing the season 11-10 overall and 6-2 in conference, losing 3-2 to perennial volleyball powerhouse Mead which has placed every year but this one since 1998. Newport then bounced Tahoma in the second round.
Kent-Meridian provided the stunner of the first day of the tournament when it beat KingCo champion Woodinville 3-2 in the first round but it couldn’t carry the momentum forward, losing to Kentwood then Skyline, finishing the season 9-9 overall after going 5-3 in the North.
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