North Kitsap, Kingston volleyball teams look to remain competitive

POULSBO — The North Kitsap and Kingston volleyball teams were the last two teams standing in Kitsap last season.

The Vikings and the Buccaneers were the county’s only representatives in the state volleyball tournament after finishing first and second in the Olympic League tournament and first and fourth in the district tournament, respectively.

At the state tournament, North Kitsap lost its first round match to Lynden (the eventual second place finisher) and defeated Tumwater before exiting the tournament with a loss to East Valley Spokane. Kingston, in its first-ever appearance in the state tournament, lost both of its matches, including one to 2A champions Burlington-Edison.

Despite some losses to graduation, both teams should remain competitive this year.

North Kitsap returns its utility spark plug, Noelani Barreith, who can play any position on the court. Sophomore Riley Rabedeaux produced right away as a freshman and should continue to develop into a strong scorer, pairing with right side hitter Maddie Pruden.

Seniors Taylor Clodfelder and Taylyn Boop are middle blockers with good size and height, and the roster should round out with Lexi Belinsky, Kialey Moon, Sydney Mahitka and Emma Orness.

Head coach Tim French said he’s been looking for the right combinations in practice, but the team should be ready to defend its league and district titles when the season gets underway.

“I am confident that this team will combine a strong attack from multiple positions and will work hard to become consistent and efficient on defense,” French said.

Up the road in Kingston, the Bucs suffered similar losses to graduation — eight players in all.

Fortunately, there is still some experience on the roster. Senior hitter Ava McCabe was the team’s top scorer last season and is a two-time first-team all-league player. Fellow seniors Melanie Borson and Samantha Young also return, likely in a couple of different roles. First-year varsity player Naya Patterson brings good size and athleticism to the lineup. Morgan Halady saw plenty of time on the floor as a middle blocker and should be in line for a bigger role.

Head coach Ed Call is also pleased with the turnout the team had this year, noting that there are “more girls on our prospects and tryout lists than ever before at Kingston.”

The two teams won’t have to wait long to face one another. North Kitsap and Kingston go head-to-head on at 6:15 p.m. on Sept. 6 at Kingston High School. It will be North Kitsap’s first game of the season and Kingston’s second.

— Mark Krulish is a reporter for Kitsap News Group. He can be reached at mkrulish@soundpublishing.com.