2009
The Miracle Season
Expectations were at an all-time high heading into the 2009 season. As defending State Champs, King's would no longer sneak up on anyone and could always now expect everyone's best. Taking a set off King's had become a small victory for many. Each gym and every opponent would bring their best and this was something the 2009 Knights not only accepted but flourished under. King's would pick-up right where they left off in 2008, breezing through Cascade Conference play and taking the Sundome Tournament title that year in the 1A field. The Knights were also ready to avenge their conference finale from 2008 which saw the Wildcats surprise the Knights with a 3-0 sweep. That road loss was still fresh as the Knights visited ATM at their place but this time King's came out and crushed the Wildcats in straight sets 3-0.
The annual Spokane Crossover tournament showed mixed results as King's would lose a tough 3-set match vs 3A power Mt Spokane. The loss shook the Knights and carried over into bracket play where King's never regained their form, losing to finish well below expectations. The remainder of October conference play went as forecasted with easy 3-0 wins heading into the conference finale vs Archbishop Murphy, this time at Mike Martin. The senior night would be an opportunity for a triumphant swan song for a class that boasted more wins and hardware than any other in school history. It was also a coveted opportunity for the seniors to close out a 4-year run with zero home losses. Unfortunately somebody forgot to let ATM in on the plan.
Arch would once again rain on the finale parade and bust their way in for a co-conference championship with another 0-3 sweep. This one would prove to do more damage though as the loss caused the fragile defending state champs to question everything about what had brought them success and it carried over into a losses at Districts to Lynden Christian and Bi-Districts at home to Annie Wright. The Annie Wright loss set-up a loser-out in the Garden Gym vs an inferior Seattle Christian opponent and if wasn't for divine intervention, the spiraling Knights would have gone from 1st to not returning to State at all. Fighting for their lives, the Knights were in a battle vs Seattle Christian in the first set, when a fire-alarm sounded. Everyone was forced to evacuate as firemen needed to clear the gym. The delay somehow allowed the Knights to find a measure of composure that proved to be enough to snap some order back into place and they cruised to a 3-0 victory and with it, a return to state.
The late season stumble changed perspectives and suddenly going to State was no longer something to be taken for granted. The girls were relieved and grateful just to return to State, a final business trip. With the weight of expectations gone, the Knights were able to relax and play the brand of volleyball they knew well and the results was an easy 3-0 sweep of Lakeside of 9 Mile Falls which set-up an epic rematch with Lynden Christian. Prior to the match, King's would find some downtime to watch a movie at the Paulson's. The movie choice was "Mircale," the true story of the 1980 US Hockey team gold medal performance known as the "Miracle on Ice." It seemed fitting given the Knights circumstances that it just might take a miracle!
"Great moments are born from great opportunities" became the mantra as the Knights would prevail 3-0 over the Lyncs in an emotional match for players and fans alike. The match featured many incredible highlights including emphatic kills from Dee-Dee Kirton. With the Knights finding their stride, a relatively easy semi-final win over Cascade of Leavenworth set-up a return to the final match, this time against Chelan. The Goats went unscathed into the final match having not lost a single set. Lead by Junior Jaicee Harris, Chelan was a tall order for the Knights. Chelan jumped out to a 1-0 lead and seemed in control 10 points into set 2, when the Knights reinserted Junior Kaley Kenyon back into the lineup. The lefty Outside Hitter had 3 kills in a row that sparked the Knights who never looked back. Sophomore McKenzie Daniels kept the Knights in system with great passing and defense, while senior Alison McConnaughey saved her best match ever for the final with 14 kills. Ultimately though it was the tag-team senior-duo of setter Anna Cesari and outside hitter, Dionna Kirton who miraculously lead the Knights to a 3-1 victory and back-to-back state titles.
The annual Spokane Crossover tournament showed mixed results as King's would lose a tough 3-set match vs 3A power Mt Spokane. The loss shook the Knights and carried over into bracket play where King's never regained their form, losing to finish well below expectations. The remainder of October conference play went as forecasted with easy 3-0 wins heading into the conference finale vs Archbishop Murphy, this time at Mike Martin. The senior night would be an opportunity for a triumphant swan song for a class that boasted more wins and hardware than any other in school history. It was also a coveted opportunity for the seniors to close out a 4-year run with zero home losses. Unfortunately somebody forgot to let ATM in on the plan.
Arch would once again rain on the finale parade and bust their way in for a co-conference championship with another 0-3 sweep. This one would prove to do more damage though as the loss caused the fragile defending state champs to question everything about what had brought them success and it carried over into a losses at Districts to Lynden Christian and Bi-Districts at home to Annie Wright. The Annie Wright loss set-up a loser-out in the Garden Gym vs an inferior Seattle Christian opponent and if wasn't for divine intervention, the spiraling Knights would have gone from 1st to not returning to State at all. Fighting for their lives, the Knights were in a battle vs Seattle Christian in the first set, when a fire-alarm sounded. Everyone was forced to evacuate as firemen needed to clear the gym. The delay somehow allowed the Knights to find a measure of composure that proved to be enough to snap some order back into place and they cruised to a 3-0 victory and with it, a return to state.
The late season stumble changed perspectives and suddenly going to State was no longer something to be taken for granted. The girls were relieved and grateful just to return to State, a final business trip. With the weight of expectations gone, the Knights were able to relax and play the brand of volleyball they knew well and the results was an easy 3-0 sweep of Lakeside of 9 Mile Falls which set-up an epic rematch with Lynden Christian. Prior to the match, King's would find some downtime to watch a movie at the Paulson's. The movie choice was "Mircale," the true story of the 1980 US Hockey team gold medal performance known as the "Miracle on Ice." It seemed fitting given the Knights circumstances that it just might take a miracle!
"Great moments are born from great opportunities" became the mantra as the Knights would prevail 3-0 over the Lyncs in an emotional match for players and fans alike. The match featured many incredible highlights including emphatic kills from Dee-Dee Kirton. With the Knights finding their stride, a relatively easy semi-final win over Cascade of Leavenworth set-up a return to the final match, this time against Chelan. The Goats went unscathed into the final match having not lost a single set. Lead by Junior Jaicee Harris, Chelan was a tall order for the Knights. Chelan jumped out to a 1-0 lead and seemed in control 10 points into set 2, when the Knights reinserted Junior Kaley Kenyon back into the lineup. The lefty Outside Hitter had 3 kills in a row that sparked the Knights who never looked back. Sophomore McKenzie Daniels kept the Knights in system with great passing and defense, while senior Alison McConnaughey saved her best match ever for the final with 14 kills. Ultimately though it was the tag-team senior-duo of setter Anna Cesari and outside hitter, Dionna Kirton who miraculously lead the Knights to a 3-1 victory and back-to-back state titles.
Finals Highlights
2009 Senior Class
Alison McConnaughey - Opposite
Jennifer Dame - Middle Blocker
Anna Cesari - Setter
Tina Boggs - Defensive Specialist
Dionna Kirton - Outside Hitter
Jennifer Dame - Middle Blocker
Anna Cesari - Setter
Tina Boggs - Defensive Specialist
Dionna Kirton - Outside Hitter