Volleyballers playing with intensity and integrity

Rundown of Bothell, Kenmore squads.

Balls bolting through the air and thunderously striking the ground are the sights and sounds of the offensive side of volleyball matches. On defense, there’s players fearlessly diving to the floor or placing their arms and bodies at the net to deny points. All these instances are followed by screams of success and copious high-fives.

Northshore teams are right in the middle of the heady action this fall and here’s a rundown of our local squads.

NORTH CREEK

With a five-pronged attack of focus, intensity, 110 percent effort every practice and game, preparation and execution on tap, head coach Richard Abiador said his squad is gunning for a 4A KingCo title and a state bid.

The Jaguars — 4-0 at press time — field top returners in seniors Gabby Kepley (5-foot-11 opposite hitter) and Alisa Kim (libero) and juniors Allison Wilks (6-1 outside hitter) and Jenna Howard (5-9 setter). Bringing their talent to varsity this year are juniors Sofia DeCoteau (5-9 middle blocker) and Remington Atwood (5-9 middle blocker).

According to Abiador, Kepley is a fierce competitor and intimidating blocker and hitter, Kim is a fireball on defense, Wilks moved from middle blocker to outside hitter and will be a force on offense and at the net, and Howard is athletic, quick and has a consistent setting touch.

In all-4A KingCo selections last year, Kepley was a first-teamer, Kim and Wilks were second-teamers and Howard and Korynne Leon were honorable mentions.

Abiador has a passion for coaching student-athletes.

“I tell athletes… ‘put in the work, effort, and preparation on your mental and physical game and you, as a competitor, will give yourself the best chance at success,’” he said.

North Creek’s Allison Wilks knocks in a kill versus Kings. Andy Nystrom / staff photo

North Creek’s Allison Wilks knocks in a kill versus Kings. Andy Nystrom / staff photo

BOTHELL

In order for the Cougars to achieve success this season, head coach Marlie Davis feels the squad needs to train with integrity, play tenacious defense and rely on cohesive teamwork.

Bothell — which began the season 1-3 at press time — returns seniors Elizabeth Shrum (5-8 setter), Haley Gaw (setter/opposite), Faith Brooks (outside hitter) and Tia Potts (libero) along with juniors Alyssa Moran (outside hitter) and Nadia Rios (middle hitter).

Gaw and Shrum were all-4A KingCo honorable mentions last year.

“They have a wealth of playing experience and strong skill sets to help guide the younger players to adjusting to the pace of the varsity game,” Davis said of her returners.

Top newcomers are freshman Jenna Legault (5-10 outside hitter/setter), sophomores Avarye Monsef (setter), Olivia Dillon (outside hitter/defensive specialist) and Ashley Baron (5-9 middle hitter) and Tessa Hoover (middle hitter) and junior Kira Moreno (5-8 outside hitter/middle hitter).

CEDAR PARK CHRISTIAN

Cedar Park Christian (4-0 at press time), possesses a host of returning starters in seniors Gracie Stiger and Christy Zeigler, juniors Marci Drews and Irena Korolenko and sophomore Kayla Nelson.

Stiger is a 5-8 setter, Zeigler is a defensive specialist/outside hitter, Drews is a 5-10 middle, Korolenko is a 5-11 outside hitter and Nelson is a libero/outside hitter.

“Our team this year is made up of players that love playing volleyball and love competing. It is a inclusive group with all the volleyball girls, including JV,” said head coach Julie Nelson. “For us to succeed, we have to do the little things well, playing good defense and serving.”

In a recent five-set win over Seattle Christian, Stiger had 27 assists and nine aces, Korolenko had 15 kills and 13 digs, Nelson had nine digs and four aces, Drews had 11 kills, Zeigler had 16 digs and five aces, Rachael Cumley had nine kills, Kiara Renstrom had nine assists and nine digs, Qyiauna Jones-Hopoi had 11 digs and Tavia Keen had four aces.

Nelson said her coaching philosophy is “to have the girls compete at their highest level and to build relationships that last beyond the court.”

INGLEMOOR

Head coach Marni Drechsel enters her first season at Inglemoor after spending seven years at the helm of Cedar Park Christian’s program.

She’s excited to share her passion for volleyball with her quality squad.

“This team is selfless, hardworking and are buying in to my staff’s vision of putting team first, being mindful and focusing on getting better every day,” said Drechsel, whose team was 1-1 at press time with a five-set win over Lake Washington and a four-set loss to Juanita.

Leading the charge for the Viks, according to Drechsel, are top returners Natalie Lewis, a calm, consistent and poised 5-8 senior setter; Miranda Nelson, a powerful and experienced 5-9 junior middle blocker; Elle Hagstrom, a competitive and insightful 5-9 junior outside hitter who plays gritty defense; and Mya Koth-Richardson, an athletic, smart and skillful 5-6 sophomore outside hitter. Newcomer Arianne Barlowe, a 5-7 sophomore setter/right side, is a dynamic, aggressive and smart athlete who excels at all positions.

“This season’s success will come from being unified and maximizing on our strengths, start to finish,” Drechsel said. “When we are controlled and consistent and compete together, with focus and discipline, the scoreboard will take care of itself.”