11/2/22

Puyallup 3, Emerald Ridge 1

(Puyallup, WA)

In a match that determined seeding for the district tournament, the Puyallup Vikings used a fast start and withstood a late rally from 4A SPSL rival Emerald Ridge to stay unbeaten at 17-0 overall.

The road Jaguars were without some key players but started fast taking a 5-4 lead after 9 points, but Puyallup dominated the rest of the set and went on a 21-6 run to win it 25-11.

The 2nd was more of the same but Emerald Ridge kept it a little closer, but the Vikings again pulled away in a 25-17 win to take a 2 sets to none lead.

The 3rd set is when momentum started to switch, as Emerald Ridge and Puyallup went down to the final points and a late run for the Jaguars gave them a comeback win in the set 25-23.

In the 4th, it was again a tight set but this time Puyallup pulled it out 25-21 to win the match 25-21.

Ivy Vindivich led the Vikings in kills as the senior was in double digits, Becca Wilber had a big night as well in her service game with at least 5 aces. Santa Clara University commit Dani Brown continued her dominate season as well with some crucial kills and blocks throughout the match. The ESN Player of the game however was libero Sophia Shepard who led the team in digs and whose defensive efforts kept plays alive all match for Puyallup.

Bailey Johnson was outstanding on the other side for Emerald Ridge, as the Jaguars Captain lead the team in kills with unofficially over 15. Fellow Captain Madison Brauner did a little bit of everything for ER, as she helped spark the comeback effort with digs, assists and overall good play and leadership.

The loss for Emerald Ridge dropped the Jaguars to 10-7 overall and 6-2 in league play, and the loss was their 3rd in a row. They will play Curtis on Saturday.

Puyallup improved to 17-0 overall and are 8-0 in SPSL North play. The Vikings play Graham-Kapowsin on Saturday.

www.elisportsnetwork.com