Despite a 3-2 loss to 3 Rivers Christian on the road Saturday (23-25, 25-13, 25-16, 16-25, 15-10), it was Tenino volleyball’s best match of the season by far.
It was the first time this season that the Beavers, who are now 0-6 on the year, pushed an opponent to five sets and were not swept.
“I couldn’t be happier for the girls getting that first set,” Tenino coach Wanda Blanksma said.
After going up 1-0 on the Eagles’ home court, the Beavers dropped both the second and third sets to lose the match lead. But Blanksma said it wasn’t because of a let up by her team, it was mostly due to great serving and timely hitting by the Eagles.
Instead of folding, the Beavers came roaring back in game four to take a 25-16 victory and set up a fifth set.
“For the girls to battle back and play the way they did in the fourth was really great to see,” Blanksma said.
The Beavers jumped out to an early lead in the fifth set, but the Eagles again had the advantage when it came to kills and finished off the victory, Blanksma said.
“Naturally, the girls were pretty disappointed, as they should be, but I also believe they see they are moving in the right direction,” Blanksma said.
Malika Slassi led the Beavers with 13 assists and 100% serving (13 for 13). Kylee Pietrich filled in for Brooke Bratton and was 22 for 23 from the line with 10 assists, while Macy Griffins was 15 for 15 from the line.
The Beavers’ junior varsity won their match 25-20, 25-8, 15-8.
Tenino (0-6 overall) travels to King’s Way Christian on Thursday.
