HS Volleyball: 4A #1 Curtis Cruises Past 1A #2 Cascade Christian in Straight Sets

11/4/2024

(University Place, WA) Curtis Vikings 3 Cascade Christian Cougars 0 (25-16) (25-19) (25-10)

Two of the top ranked volleyball programs in the state met at University Place last night. In the end 4A’s number 1 ranked Curtis Vikings outlasted 1A’s number 2 ranked Cascade Christian Cougars for a straight sets win. Curtis advanced to 16-0 on the year, Cascade Christian dropped to 14-2.

The first set had Curtis jump out to 9-2 lead. On the outside, Curtis’s Avery Cukjati bookended multiple kills for the home side. Ariana Medchill also trademarked several kills from the opposite wing. When it was not Cukjati and Medchill, it was Selana Morales who was as a strong presence at the net. Curtis rode their early first set lead to claim the first set 25-16.

Avery Cukjati is one of the most dynamic players in the state. A D1 commit to Santa Clara, one of the standout elements to her game is her beach volleyball serve that crosses the net with plenty of spin and power. That serve was on full display in the second set, with Curtis scoring five unanswered on the Cukjati serve. Curtis has an eloquent array of passers to drive their offense. Elaina Duong and Asia Williams may not have rendered the headlines, but the #1 team in 4A would not be who they are without those two.

Cascade Christian would stage a rally in set number 2. With Sophie Janho serving, Cascade Christian went on a six point run to cut the Curtis lead to 21-18. Curtis found their footing featured by an incredible dig in the penultimate point of the second set. Curtis closed out set 2 25-19.

After Cascade Christian scored on ensuing point of the third set, Curtis flexed their muscle. To the tune of five straight kills, Curtis took a 5-1 lead. The home side did not look back. Curtis won the third set 25-10.

Cascade Christian relied heavily on their stars Layne Dent, Jenica Walling, and Sophie Janho to power the Cougar offense. The second ranked team in 1A also saw standout performances from Abby Shelton and Liesl Nordling.

Cascade Christian begins their play in the District 3 1A Tournament on Thursday, while Curtis begins their District tournament on Friday November 15.

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Our Elisportsnetwork.com co-MVPs of the match were Peyton Ensign and Selana Morales. Check our MVP interview with highlights of the match below.

Peyton Ensign & Selana Morales Interview