MARYSVILLE Despite a mid-September loss to Stanwood, the M-P volleyball team won when it counted, defeating the Spartans in four games Oct. 4 and staying perfect in conference play.
The Tomahawks played the rematch for a lei-clad crowd on their beach volleyball night, during which fans competed in the limbo and a tropical costume contest.
Junior middle blocker Emily Boerger was a force for the Tomahawks all night. She and senior Jessica Masters helped keep the Tomahawks in the game one that narrowly went to Stanwood, 25-23.
Back-to-back Boerger spikes kept the Spartans from building a runaway lead to kick off the game, and at 19-19, she combined with setter Katie Hereth for a block that gave the Tomahawks their first lead of the game. But, despite a nice run, the Spartans outscored the Tommies 6-1 down the stretch to go up 1-0.
Stanwood took an early lead in the second game as well, but M-P fought back earlier to win another close game 25-21 and even the match at a game apiece.
The last two games were all Marysville. After starting game three down 0-1, the Tommie girls went on a tear, allowing the Spartans only 12 more points, for a 25-13 victory. Stanwood tried to push the match to a fifth game, keeping in game four with M-P to about the midway point. At 11-10, the Tomahawks took over once again, allowing the Spartans just six more points on their way to a 25-16 win for the match.
The great thing about this team is everyone contributed, M-P coach Shelly Johnson said after the match. The team struggled with confidence early on and health woes during the match, but the Tomahawks persisted.
When they start to get their confidence, theyre good. When Emily Boerger gets her confidence, shes unstoppable, Johnson added of her 6-foot-2-inch blocker.
Boerger ended the night with 12 kills, two blocks and three aces, leading the Tomahawk offense.
Middle blocker Masters had been feeling unwell, but stepped up anyway with eight kills and two blocks.
I told her, You need to give me an hour, Johnson said, and she did.
Setter April Bobadilla went out in the first game with a hand injury, but also returned to notch 31 assists. Senior outside hitter Kristeen Juarez had 10 kills and junior libero Jadelyn Thompson had 51 digs.
At about the seasons midway point, Johnson said shes encouraged by the way the girls are playing, and its not just about being the first team to 25 points.
Theyve become more intense this week in practice. Theyre getting in great shape, Johnson said. I think now theyre hungry.