MARYSVILLE Despite a fierce effort by Everett, the Tomahawk volleyball team swept the Seagulls 3-0 in a Sept. 11 rematch of last years conference elite.
The first game in particular was a close one between the Wesco North rivals. Although M-P was the first team to four points in the first game, Everett maintained a narrow lead for much of the game. A mid-game rejection by senior Anna West gave the Tomahawks only their second lead of the game to go up 18-17, but boosted by a couple of ace serves from senior middle blocker Jessica Masters, the girls held on to take the first game 25-22.
The second game was nearly as close and for the second consecutive game, Everett scored first. But once again, the Tomahawks met coach Shelly Johnsons goal of reaching five points first. This time the home team held the advantage throughout the game, never allowing Everett more than a two-point lead.
Senior outside hitter Kristeen Juarez started to hit her stride in the second game, so it was appropriate that it was one of her team-high nine kills that handed M-P that game, 25-21.
I was really happy with Kristeen, Johnson said after the game. She starts out confident but a little tentative, then she became aggressive.
Juarez led the M-P offense with 24 attacks, followed by West with 16 attacks and six kills.
In the third match, M-P jumped out to a three-point lead before Everett had a chance to blink. The Tommies outscored their opponents two to one on their way to a 25-12 victory.
Johnson said she wants to see her team play a cleaner game in upcoming competition. The teams 22 hitting errors mostly hits out of bounds nearly cancelled out the 25 team kills.
I told them they were kind of unfocused. They would have a free ball come back and they wouldnt be ready for it, Johnson said. I think they need to be a lot more confident.
Johnson added that she was happy with the serving overall and especially by Masters.
When shes in the zone, she serves bullets, Johnson said.
Senior setters April Bobadilla and Katie Hereth ran the offense with 16 and nine assists respectively. The victory puts M-P in elite company Monroe and Oak Harbor are the only other conference teams at 2-0.
The Tomahawks opened their season with a 3-0 win over Snohomish Sept. 5.