It didn’t count in the South Puget Sound League North Division standings.
And, technically, it didn’t end Kentwood’s grand winning streak on the volleyball court.
But Kentridge’s five-game win over Kentwood on Tuesday night (24-26, 25-22, 25-16, 16-25, 15-7) did indeed count for something — confidence. Kentridge came into the match having dropped 27 of 29 matches to its cross-town rivals, including nine straight, a streak that dates back to 2002.
“It’s pretty big (to beat Kentwood),” said Kentridge coach Liz Quitiquit. “It has been several years since it has happened. The kids in the past have gotten close in single games, even took one off of them a couple times, so it feels great to get over that hump.”
The Chargers (2-0 entering play Thursday) spread the wealth in the win over the Conks. Sophomore Allison Chin led the way in kills, pounding out 15 while Kelsey Kirkland added 10 and 14 digs. Meanwhile, Michelle Boscole served up 35 assists and chipped in five kills while teammate Nicole Fairclough added 11 digs and three aces.
“Everyone had their moments, which is a really neat thing,” Quitiquit said.
The win, however, didn’t count against the Conquerors in the SPSL North standings as league play doesn’t officially begin until Wednesday, Sept. 23. Kentwood still will enter the regular season with a 51-match SPSL North winning streak, a run of league victories that dates back to Sept. 23, 2004, when it lost to Auburn Riverside.
Kentwood coach Bil Caillier took the loss in stride.
“Kentridge just played constant and without reservation,” he said. “They had a no-fear mentality. We talked about (the loss) at practice and how the girls felt the whole night. They were disappointed, they felt humiliated. I talked to them about not getting caught up in the emotion (of the streak).”
Erin Campbell led the Kentwood attack, collecting a match-high 19 kills. Ally Patterson and Lychelle Roberts-Kirby chipped in 10 kills apiece while Kayla Hanus added 39 assists and Korin Hedlund came away with 14 digs.
“I think this will be a good thing to remind my team about how much hard work they have to put in,” Caillier continued. “You can’t slap a Kentwood ‘K’ up and expect a win.”
Kentwood plays host to Kentridge at 7 p.m. on Oct. 7 in the lone regular-season meeting between the two rivals. Both teams open league play next Wednesday. Kentwood hosts Tahoma at 7 p.m. while Kentridge will be at Auburn.
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