North Thurston High School defeated Timberline in varsity WIAA 3A PSL (Puget Sound League) volleyball Tuesday, September 23, 2025, three sets to one. The match was the first between the cross-town rivals and was hosted by the Blazers. Timberline won the first set 25-23 but then was swept in three straight sets by North Thurston (25-19, 25-21, 25-19).
North Thurston (6-0, 5-0 PSL) senior outside hitter Addy Connor led the Rams with 22 kills and junior Abby Losey added 16 kills. Timberline (3-2, 3-2 PSL) had strong hitting from senior Destiny Mars and junior Kinley Smith. Both teams played with passion and brought seasoned upperclassmen to help with leadership, which should aid the teams moving into the rest of the season. Both schools have their sights set on a state title berth. North Thurston lost in the WIAA 2024 state championship to Ridgeline in five sets.
North Thurston head coach Jackie Meyer was happy with her team’s performance and grit to pull out a win after dropping the first set. “We are continuing to improve our blocks, execution and hitting connections and that is really helpful, along with having the entire squad, as there has been some sickness going through the school,” Meyers mentioned about the team’s performance. “We were a bit sloppy but we pulled it out and I like our senior leadership as we move toward the second half of the season.”
North Thurston is undefeated in league play and will host Timberline Tuesday, November 4, for the last PSL league match of the season.
Timberline head coach Matt Monnastes was proud of the fight and determination his team brought to the match. “North Thurston is one, if not, the best team in the state this year and it is just an honor to be a part of this rivalry,” Monnastes stated. “It’s a great rivalry and this area has a great volleyball community so it was fantastic to see that support here at Timberline in the battle tonight.”
“It stings to lose to the cross-town rivals and at the moment is really all you can think about, however, we know we can play competitively and we showed that at times and we can hang with them. The entire strategy at Timberline isn’t for us to just have a great game one time. We are trying to build something that lasts with a strong foundation and good culture. We see that happening and the hard work is paying off.”
Timberline’s next match is at Central Kitsap on Thursday and North Thurston hosts Gig Harbor on Monday, September 29.
