SEQUIM — Sequim volleyball coach Jennie Webber Heilman put her squad’s performance in a 25-16, 25-16, 25-16 sweep by the Spartans in plain terms.
“We got our behinds kicked,” Webber Heilman said. [Bainbridge] has a very quick offense and we’re not able to block the ball. It was coming back quicker, and we were out of position. We definitely need to work on some defense.”
That’s a tough ask when her varsity squad is only nine players deep and unable to practice in full 6-on-6 match conditions.
Lindsay Swanson posted a five-point serving run in the first game to get Sequim out of a 23-9 hole. She had the best day on the line for the Wolves, serving 10 of 11 with three aces, and also added seven digs and two perfect passes.
And the Wolves held a 12-6 lead in game two before Bainbridge went on its own service run to take control.
“They got an eight-point serving run we were unable to stop,” Webber Heilman said. “And the same player had a six-point run in the third game. So that will be my mission: If we are not passing well, I will call timeout, move players around and be more creative.”
Jolene Vaara posted four kills, served 5 of 5 with an ace, a stuff block and four digs.
“We needed to get her the ball more,” Webber Heilman said.
Kendall Hastings added six kills, 11 digs, a stuff block and served 7 for 9.
Sequim (3-2) visits Bremerton today.
North Kitsap 3, Port Angeles 0
POULSBO — The Roughriders were right there with the Vikings, according to coach Jennifer Reynolds.
“It is such an amazing opportunity to play the fast-paced game at a high level. This is when volleyball is the most fun,” Reynolds said.
“It also gives us an opportunity to identify systems that need to be adjusted in order for us to thrive at this level.”
Emi Halberg posted seven kills, two aces and nine digs, and Kennedy Bruch added four kills, an ace and six digs. Halberg and Bruch were especially effective in the first set when Bruch posted three kills and Halberg tallied four kills and an ace.
Sam Robbins made her season debut and had two kills on the first two points of the game.
Zoe Smithson posted three kills and four digs. All of her kills came during the second game.
“All three games were back-and-forth,” Reynolds said. “In game two, we came out strong and were in the lead for a good portion of the game. Unfortunately, with a string of UFEs, or unforced errors, we let them back in it.”
Lily Halberg aced four consecutive serves in the third game and finished with 19 digs.
Reynolds said Angelina Sprague had an amazing stuff block in the third game.
Josephine Edington added 10 assists.
Lily Halberg had four aces and 19 digs. Kennedy had four kills, an ace and six digs.
Zoe Smithson had three kills and four digs.
Port Angeles hosts Bainbridge tonight and will join Sequim at the Mark Morris Monarchs Challenge on Saturday.
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-406-0674 or mcarman@peninsula dailynews.com.
