Squalicum volleyball kicked off its season getting swept 3-0 (25-7, 25-11, 25-17) by Archbishop Murphy on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at home.
Archbishop Murphy captain and pin-hitter Tatum Gill led the Wildcats’ offense with nine kills and six aces. Squalicum’s outside hitter Jolie’ Paz tried to keep the sets close with five kills on the night.
Archbishop Murphy had a slim 6-4 lead to start the first set until Payton MacDonald sparked a 13-point Widcats’ run with three aces and a kill. One of Paz’s five kills broke the streak, but Archbishop picked right back up to end the set.
Gallery: Squalicum volleyball falls to Archbishop Murphy
The Wildcats went on the longest streak of the night shortly after, scoring five straight to end the first set before ripping off a 13-0 run to start the second set. During that span, Wildcats middle blocker Emma McAuliff dominated the middle of the net with a couple of kills and blocks. Squalicum’s Penelope Durias and Paz broke the 18-point streak with a block and kill from the back line.
Yet, McAuliff ended the second set with an ace and kill. In the third set, Squalicum battled from behind. The Wildcats’ largest lead in the third set was 22-12. After Archbishop Murphy put in a few of their younger players, Squalicum was able to score at will.
Once Squalicum took the momentum, McAuliff blocked a couple of kill attempts and a Storm player had a service error to end the match. Squalicum will return to the court on Thursday, Sept. 5 at Burlington-Edison for a jamboree.
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
