HS Volleyball: Puyallup cruises in straight sets win vs South Kitsap

(10/15/2024)

(Puyallup, WA) The Puyallup Vikings battled the South Kitsap Wolves on Tuesday night in a clash of a pair of 4-2 teams in the SPSL. Both teams collided after completely opposite seasons last year. Puyallup went undefeated in SPSL play a year ago, while South Kitsap went winless.

Amidst the contrast in seasons a year ago, both schools came into the evening with four match win streaks in the SPSL, something had to give. Puyallup exhibited that they still are one of the kingpins of the SPSL with a straight sets win over South Kitsap.

The first set saw Puyallup jump out to 13-8 lead, but South Kitsap rallied to trim the Puyallup lead down to one late in the first set. But in the end Puyallup, thanks to a multitude of kills from Amelia Guardipee, snatched the first set 25-21.

Set number two had Guardipee taking flight even more, including kills on back-to-back rallies to put Puyallup well in command. Puyallup held a 9-3 lead early and did not look back, taking the second set 25-14.

South Kitsap had their backs against the wall in the third set. Needing to take the third set to stay alive, the offense for the Wolves shined early on. Catered by the defense of Payton Elmore and Leilani Killian, and the offense of both Maggie Yearout and Savannah Browning, South Kitsap stayed in pace of Puyallup.

The turning point of the third set, however, came with Georgia Kafentzis serving with Puyallup up 8-7. After South Kitsap managed to return the serve, Puyallup set up Haylee Tavares who climbed the ladder and throttled down the kill to put Puyallup up 9-7. The Vikings did not look back, outscoring South Kitsap 16-8 to close out the match 25-15.

Puyallup’s offense was powered by Elisportsnetwork.com MVP Amelia Guardipee, Reese Sheppard, and Sam Pirillis. The net play from Rilyn Kerlee, Rachel Dixon, and Sienna Hanson were pivotal in the win for the Vikings.

With the win Puyallup travels to face cross town rival Rogers on Thursday at 7:15, while South Kitsap travels on Thursday to take on Yelm.

To catch the match replay, click here. Here is the postgame show with highlights to follow.

ESN Postgame Show