Kentlake volleyball dominates Titans in straight sets

Kentlake High School volleyball took a big step with a three-set victory to help their playoff chances — and, more importantly, they are just getting better every day.

The Falcons took out the Todd Beamer Titans in straight sets and showed immense improvement from the five-set beat of the same Titans a month prior.

“It felt good. I think we deserved the win, we worked really hard for it. It was a good team to beat,” said senior Jordyn Keith.

Coming into the game against Todd Beamer, the Falcons had lost two of their last three. A three-set loss to Federal Way on the road and a five-set loss to Enumclaw sandwiched a win over Decatur.

“This match was critical not just for us in the standings, but for us to show improvement. Finishing teams off in three feels really good and shows that improvement,” Head Coach Shawna Behrens said.

The win over the Titans came pretty carefree outside of not scoring the first point in the second and third set, and Kentlake never trailed for any serious amount of time.

“We just limited our errors and earned points with serve and receive,” Behrens said.

Kentlake was up 3-0 early in the first set. Todd Beamer was able to get within two, but Kentlake them went on to score eight straight points to separate themselves. But as the set continued, the Titans actually got to within one point at 21-20. After Behrens called a timeout, the Falcons scored four points in a row to close out the set.

“We have a lot more confidence and worked on a lot of things in the gym to help us start out better,” said senior Ava Cox.

In set two, Todd Beamer claimed a quick 3-0 lead that evaporated almost as fast as the Titans got it. After tying the set at 3-3, Kentlake went on an even larger run, scoring nine straight points and almost held the Titans to single digits. Kentlake dominated the second set winning 25-10.

For what would be the final set, Kentlake and Todd Beamer played a really competitive first 22 points. Both sides were deadlocked at 11-11 before the Falcons found some footing and took a 14-11 lead.

Kentlake scored seven of the next ten points moving forward and put the third set to bed, winning 25-17.

Behrens’ side is in a pretty unique spot with just four seniors on the roster and no freshman. There are four sophomores and four juniors in the maroon and black.

“They are the heart and soul of our team. As kids I look to them to lead. They want what’s best for the team. They are selfless kids, and every day in the gym it is just about getting better,” Behrens said.

The pair of seniors both see themselves as the group to show the young and inexperienced players the right way to go about things as a Kentlake volleyball player. “We focus a lot on attitude, and we aren’t going to tolerate people with bad attitudes. So we hope that shapes the younger people and hopefully they carry that on,” Cox said.

Senior Jordyn Keith has made a big impact on the Falcons roster this year. “She brings so much fire and energy to the court. We know when she delivers the atmosphere changes on the court,” Behrens said.

Kentlake now sits just behind Todd Beamer in the standings because the Titans have one more non-league victory, but the Falcons are hoping this can be a springboard into the back half of the season with a good amount a winnable matches. “I’m really hoping it is. I’m really hoping we go through our second half of the season just showing improvement,” said Behrens.

Kentlake takes on Thomas Jefferson on Oct. 14. The Raiders looking to keep their postseason hopes alive as they end of the season creeps closer and closer.

“Winning this game 3-0 proves the potential we have. We know what we can do,” the senior Keith said.

Live Green with a spike for the Kentlake Falcons in their win over Todd Beamer. Ben Ray / The Reporter