Friday Match to Watch: Interlake vs Mount Si
It’s that time of the year again! The high school volleyball season is set to start in the state of Washington and we can’t wait to see all the exciting prospects of the Evergreen State in action once again. The…
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Continue ReadingIt’s that time of the year again! The high school volleyball season is set to start in the state of Washington and we can’t wait to see all the exciting prospects of the Evergreen State in action once again.
The first week of competition will bring a handful of can’t-miss matches and as we understand it’s a lot to process, especially with two seasons separated by just a few months, between now and next Wednesday we’ll recommend one match for you to follow every day, highlighting the teams involved and their most exciting prospects.
On Friday, September 3, keep an eye on this matchup:
Interlake vs Mount Si – 7.00pm
Based in Bellevue, Interlake had a positive campaign in the previous, shortened season, winning five and losing just three matches on the 3A KingCo League. Head coach Eduardo Guerrero lost two important contributors to graduation in outside hitter Sophie Kalecinski and libero Bianca Greydinger but the Saints still have a pretty strong group for him to work with.
The Mount Si Wildcats from Snoqualmie did well in last year’s short season, securing four wins in six matches in the competitive 4A KingCo League. This is the last year of rising star Bailey Showalter in the program and head coach Boonie Foote will certainly want to make the most of it.
Players to Watch – Interlake
Lauren Riffe – Outside Hitter – Club: Sudden Impact – 2022
Lauren Riffe was the Saints’ top scorer last season and should her offensive responsibility grow ever further with the departure of Kalecinski. This 5’9” outside hitter has all the tools to continue as a force at the net for Interlake, though, as her game is built upon a solid combination of technical and physical skills that make of her a very complete and explosive player. Riffe led Interlake in kills (81) and aces (17) season, while also ranking second in passes (116) and third in digs (45).
Isabel Cai – Setter – Club: Sudden Impact – 2024
Interlake was fortunate to see a couple of freshmen immediately impacting the team last season and Isabel Cai was one of them. A 5’8” prospect, she took up a central role as one of the team’s setters and had a seamless transition, leading the Saints in that department with 147 assists (5.3 per set). Cai is very calm on the ball and has a great touch, a combination that brings a much-welcomed level of reliability to her game. She goes well beyond setting her teammates up at the net, though, as she ranked second in aces (15) and digs (46) for the Saints last season.
Players to Watch – Mount Si
Bailey Showalter – Outside Hitter – Club: DaKine Warriors – 2022
One of the most exciting prospects in the entire state, Bailey Showalter will lead Mount Si’s efforts for a final team before joining the prestigious USC to play beach volleyball. The 6’2” outside hitter will once again be the Wildcats’ centerpiece, contributing in every aspect of the game with wide array of skills. Extremely athletic, long and powerful, Showalter is one of the best hitters in the state, but also produces extremely well on the backcourt with numerous digs and passes.
Friley Curtiss – Outside Hitter – Club: Sudden Impact – 2023
Having a pair of outside hitters who stand over six feet and have great technical skills is a privilege not many high schools in Washington have, but Mount Si can proudly say it’s one of those. The combination between Showalter and Friley Curtiss, a 6’1” prospect who can also play in the middle, is arguably the Wildcats’ main strength heading in to the season. Curtiss is also a force at the net, using her tremendous reach and variety of shots to score at ease. She’s also a very capable blocker and gets the job done on serve receiving.