NK wins close match against Sequim to stay unbeaten in league

By Luke Caputo • October 1, 2025 1:30 am
Luke Caputo/Kitsap News Group Vikings Emma Banzer, Rachel Le, and Silvia Okunami look to make a play in a 3-2 NK win over Sequim Sept. 30 in Poulsbo.
Luke Caputo/Kitsap News Group Vikings Emma Banzer, Rachel Le, and Silvia Okunami look to make a play in a 3-2 NK win over Sequim Sept. 30 in Poulsbo.

Teamwork led North Kitsap to a strong victory over Olympic League for Sequim, as the Vikings beat the Wolves at home three sets to two in a close match Sept. 30.

NK moved to 4-2 overall and 4-0 in league, while Sequim fell to 5-3 overall and 4-2 in league.

“Sequim is one of the best in our league, and it gives us a lot of confidence,” NK outside hitter Silvia Okunami said. “At the beginning, we were definitely overcompensating and trying to do each other’s jobs.”

The beginning portion of the first set featured a lot of back-and-forth lead changes from both squads. But soon after, Sequim managed to jump out to a 12-5 lead behind some Viking defensive miscues, scoring eight consecutive points until right-side hitter Addison Jess managed to put an end to the strong Sequim start with a block.

Sequim led 23-8 in the first set, showcasing a formidable defense against NK. Nonetheless, right-side hitter Emily MacKinnon had a couple of strong serves, allowing NK to keep fighting until they eventually lost the first set 25-11.

The Vikings responded in the second set behind strong defensive performances from middle blocker Grace Clark and MacKinnon, but Sequim managed to catch up and tie the set up at 16 apiece. Then, NK jumped out to a 24-17 lead and eventually won the second set 25-18.

“I said forget about that [the first set],” NK coach Kaelea Makawi said. “We know we beat ourselves, we got to work harder this time, and I switched some positions around, [so] I think that helped take the pressure off.”

Both teams kept it close for the beginning of the third set, until Sequim was able to obtain the upper hand, jumping out to a 13-7 lead. The Wolves continued to build on their lead, eventually increasing it to nine at 20-11. The Vikings attempted to rally back behind strong hits from middle blocker Livia Dunmire, but couldn’t complete the comeback, giving the third set to Sequim at 25-15.

The fourth set remained tied until NK took a 14-11 lead behind strong hits from Okunami and company. NK later tied it up at 18 apiece and scored four consecutive points after being down 24-20 to tie it up and eventually win the set 27-25.

Sequim jumped out to a 5-0 lead at the beginning of the final set. But Okunami and outside hitter Ellie Arns led a 7-2 scoring run to get the Vikings right back in the game and tie it up at seven apiece. NK kept the set even and eventually won the set 15-10 to secure the match win.

“We work a lot in practice on being disciplined, on getting back up and making those smart choices,” Okunami said. “So I think we relied on our instincts really well, and we relied on each other, and I think that’s what really pulled us through to the win today.”