PT volleyball prevails against Vashon Island

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Port Townsend High School volleyball’s Oct. 30 match against Vashon Island saw PT prevail by 3-1 sets, with scores of 25-20, 16-25, 25-22 and 25-19.

While libero Hanalei Schauer had 27 digs and 1 assist, setter Alana McCleese served 12/13 with 3 aces, 22 digs, 12 assists and 10 kills, the latter marking the season’s individual and team high kills. Fellow setter Vilma Jurmu served 21/22 with 3 aces, 19 digs, 15 assists and 5 kills.

Of the outside hitters, Sam Short served 22/23 with 3 aces, 12 digs and 3 kills, while Eileen Leoso served 10/13 with 1 ace, 20 digs and 7 kills.

Among the middle blockers, Maria Morrison served 8/8 with 2 aces and 4 digs, Tori Minnihan served 3/6 with 5 kills and 2 stuff blocks, and Isabelle Hammett served 3/6 with 1 kill, 1 stuff block and 1 dig.

With PT serving at 87 percent, coach Cameron Botkin conceded, “Although we came out on top in the first set, play was a bit sloppy on both sides, due to nerves from the loser-out match.”

Vashon players pulled themselves together and bested Port Townsend in the second set.

“The Redhawks sensed the urgency in the third set, and seemed to awaken and come alive,” Botkin said. “Their dynamic defense allowed for several long rallies, before finally finishing the Pirates off.”

PT senior Sam Short delivered serve after serve, withstanding two timeouts called by visiting Vashon.

“The Pirates simply could not penetrate Port Townsend’s defensive effort,” Botkin said. “The Lady Redhawks put on a passing clinic, with a season-high 105 digs, led by senior libero Hanalei Schauer.”

Botkin deemed PT’s 87 percent serving “enough to seal the deal” and advance the team to the WIAA West Central District 3 tournament for the first time since 2014.

PT faced the Nisqually League no. 2 team, Bellevue Christian High School, for the loser-out match Nov. 2.

“Our first district match in three years tested the mettle of the Lady Redhawks,” Botkin said. “We had the support of several fans that traveled the distance, but Bellevue Christian brought a powerhouse of hitting behind their star middle blocker and outside hitter.”

After losing the first set, the Redhawks rallied early in the second set, led by sophomore Tori Minnihan’s four stuff blocks, which Botkin credited with flustering the Vikings’ middle blocker.

“Tori’s tough blocks also softened the forceful hits, enough to make the back-row passing game a little easier,” Botkin said. “Senior Maria Morrison also had a highlight hit over a triple middle block, and Taylor Tracer provided needed blocking on our front row.”

In Botkin’s opinion, PT’s third set proved to be its best.

“I’m proud of the girls’ display of their ‘We’ll never give up’ attitude,” Botkin said. “The highlight came mid-set, led by senior Alana McCleese’s powerful serving. She helped bring the Redhawks to a 14-10 lead, with eight consecutive service points, including four aces.”

Three PT players had 100 percent serving: Jurmu, Leoso and Morrison. The defensive effort was led in blocking by Minnihan and Morrison, and passing by Jurmu, Schauer, Leoso and Short.