Several local Thurston County teams gathered at Tumwater High School to launch the 2024 WIAA fall high school sports season for girls volleyball. Tumwater hosted other local teams including fellow 2A EVCO (Evergreen Conference) league rival Black Hills and 3A PSL (Puget Sound League) teams Capital, North Thurston, and River Ridge High Schools. Bonney Lake also competed at the event that was held on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
Tumwater head coach Molly Cichosz organized the pre-season gathering and was pleased with her team’s overall showing. “We got to see how some lineups and players worked together in live gameplay, which gave us coaches great insight into how we want to proceed this season,” Cichosz stated. “McKayla Clary and Lalie Betschart are both beginning their third season with the varsity squad as a senior and junior respectively. They are doing a phenomenal job leading the team and setting our standards early. I’m excited to see what this squad can do.” Tumwater has a very strong junior class making up 70% of the team and should challenge for the 2A EVCO championship.
Timberline head coach Matt Monnastes believes his squad is ready to challenge moving into the season as they play in the new 3A Puget Sound League. “We have been focused on developing culture and systems the last two seasons,” Monnastes noted. “This season we should start to see that hard work pay off and I was pleased with our undefeated play at the Jamboree which is just a great start for us moving into league play.”
North Thurston joins Timberline in the South division of the 3A PSL. Coach Jackie Meyer is excited for her team, which she said is young and talented. “They will be led by four returners, three juniors (Addy Conner, Sammi Humphrey, and Anna Sheeran) and one sophomore (Abby Losey),” Meyer stated. “We brought in a lot of youth as well. Players are strong and learning to play together and some in new positions. I am looking forward to a very exciting season.”
Capital High School, playing in the 3A PSL South, brings a new head coach Kelli Liddane to lead the Cougars. “This season we have a mix of veterans and young athletes,” Liddane noted. “We are ready. This year we are focusing on a team goal of having a season of “Trust” and we can’t wait to show the fans how that translates on the court.” Capital hosts long-time rival 4A Olympia, Thursday September 5, 2024, at 7:15 p.m.
River Ridge coach Janay Creamer led her team at the jamboree. The Hawks are playing in 3A PSL South league. “Our aim is to have a successful season full of growth this year with not only our returning upperclassmen talents but also with our underclassmen and incoming freshmen who have great potential,” Creamer proclaimed. River Ridge travels to play at Lakes, September 10, 2024, to start league and season play.
