Tuesday Match to Watch: King’s Way Christian vs Castle Rock
It’s that time of the year again! The high school volleyball season is progressing at full pace in the state of Washington and we’re all enjoying all the exciting prospects of the Evergreen State in action once again. Twice a…
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Continue ReadingIt’s that time of the year again! The high school volleyball season is progressing at full pace in the state of Washington and we’re all enjoying all the exciting prospects of the Evergreen State in action once again.
Twice a week, we’ll use this space to recommend some matches to keep and eye on and, most importantly, some of the most interesting prospects you’ll want to watch if you have an opportunity.
This is our suggestion for Tuesday, October 12:
King’s Way Christian vs Castle Rock – 7pm
The Lady Knights from the King’s Way Christian High School out of Vancouver have enjoyed a positive campaign so far in the season, with four wins and three losses. The team coached by Olivia Alexander might have gained confidence after last week’s 3-2 win over Montesano that improved their record in the 1A Trico District to 1-2.
The Rockets from the Castle Rock High School from the city of same name are still undefeated in the season, having won all of their eight matches so far. Coach Jeana Bayes and her players want to continue surfing on the wave that sent directly to the top of the 1A Trico District and win a fourth-straight match without dropping sets.
Players to Watch – King’s Way Christian
Bridget Young – Outside Hitter – 2022
Bridget Young has been King’s Way Christian more reliable offensive player this season. The 5’10” outside hitter has converted in point 69 of her 206 attacking attempts, averaging a team-high 3.1 kills per set. A longtime member of the Lady Knights roster, Young has also produced 54 passes, 30 digs, 15 blocks and seven aces in just 22 sets played.
Natalie O’Neil – Setter – 2024
Setting has also been an area of strength for the Lady Knights due to the noticeable presence of Natalie O’Neil in the team’s lineup. The second-year playmaker already feels extremely comfortable with the team and has been able to provide help all across the board for King’s Way Christian. Besides handing out 157 assists (7.1 per set), O’Neil also leads the team in digs (46) and aces (15).
Players to Watch – Castle Rock
Brooke Wirkkala – Outside Hitter – 2022
Brooke Wirkkala has been able to stand out in the extremely well-run Caste Rock offense, which features three players with 50 kills or more already. The 5’8” outside hitter leads the pack with 77 (three per set) and an outstanding 45.6% kill rate. The best thing about Wirkkala is that leading the Rockets on offense doesn’t stop her from doing what she does everywhere else as she’s also among the team’s top three in digs (57), passes (60) and aces (15).
Kynsi Bayes – Middle Blocker – Club: Cowlitz Volleyball Club – 2024
As with Wirkkala, Kynsi Bayes also has the ability to make her presence felt in the game in a variety of ways. The 5’10” middle blocker in an important part of the Rockets’ offense, having tallied 50 kills so far, with a 44.2% kill rate, but also gets to score in other ways. Bayes leads the team in aces with 25 (one per set) and blocks with 18 (0.7 per set).