The Timberline Blazers are now the last remaining undefeated volleyball team in the Puget Sound League, as they handled Mount Tahoma in a sweep 25-6, 25-16, 25-9 at home Tuesday, Sept. 29.
Timberline used the opportunity to prepare for this weekend’s Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix, Arizona, where the Blazers will compete against some of the nation’s premier programs.
“For us, the focus was on staying disciplined, controlling our side of the court, and continuing to play our game regardless of the opponent,” Timberline head coach Matt Monnastes said. “The match also gave us an opportunity to work through different lineup combinations and develop some additional depth before heading into a weekend of high-level competition.”
Leia Dela Cruz, the reigning Thurston Chronicle Athlete of the Week, distributed the ball efficiently with 33 assists and added six digs and two aces. Jovie Lind contributed team-high numbers in digs with 28 and aces with five.
Kinley Smith tallied 12 kills, four aces and four digs, while Lilly Grant totaled nine kills, three aces and two blocks. Islee Rebelez provided a boost on defense with nine digs and added a pair of aces.
Two sophomores, Annalisa Tapasa and Sofia Dixon-Ross made their varsity debuts and each recorded their first varsity kill.
Timberline (7-0, 6-0 Puget Sound League) stands alone atop the Puget Sound League’s Nisqually division after Central Kitsap defeated North Thurston Tuesday night. The Blazers have one more match before their trip to Arizona, as they will face Capital (4-3, 3-3 Puget Sound League) Wednesday, Sept. 30.
