2015
LOPES UP
While the 2015 Knights had to replace key positions, expectations were high for a talented team that boasted the most parity, players 1-12 than any other in school history. This parity would be a signature strength for the 2015 Knights and meant practices were some of the best competition the team would see all year. 2015 got off to a roaring start with six straight wins to open the season including a 3-1 victory at home vs rival, Archbishop Murphy. The first loss came against Cedar Park two nights later before the team would head over to Spokane for the annual Crossover tournament. The Knights played some of their best volleyball of the season in Spokane to capture the Gold championship! The wins were so resounding, one began imagining the possibilities for this team to go deep in November.
More conference wins at South Whidbey, Cedarcrest and Granite would give way to a thumping by a much improved Archbishop team on the road and then Senior Night to wrap-up conference play, at home vs Cedar Park and the most amazing comeback in program history. Trailing it 0-2 games and about to get swept, 22-24 in the 3rd set to Cedar Park Christian - a ball that was seemingly in, was called out. A little lucky perhaps but the girls made the most of it by completing the set win and then taking the next two sets - setting off an amazing celebration in Mike Martin!
A loss at Districts and then wins in the Bi-District Tournament meant a 12th straight trip to the State Tournament...and a chance. This team had the talent to make a run but a tough draw meant a quarter-final matchup vs Kalama. A 3-0 opening round sweep of Granger set the stage for the showdown with Kalama, who was undefeated and had dropped only one set all year. The Knights were forced to learn on the fly, with little time and even less information, the Knights went into battle with Kalam and played 'em toe-to-toe before ultimately succumbing in 5 sets and -3 points, 15-12 in the 5th.
After a night of sleep and self-reflection, a new goal was in sight...one of character and history. It takes character to bounce back after such an emotional loss and the dream of a state championship gone. But no King's team has lost consecutive matches in the 11 straight prior years. Win the next match and earn a trophy. To trophy for 12 straight years would certainly be a worthy accomplishment and if it didn't provide the proper motivation, the alternative perhaps would. Ultimately, both Charles Wright Academy and Columbia would fall and the Knights took 5th place and a 12th straight state trophy.
Another special group would take their leave as seniors Daylee Hanson, Morgan Grimm, Hannah Graetzer, Elizabeth Johnson and Sydney Gaenz would graduate. They will be missed but they will also be remembered for their level of commitment, selflessness and cohesive approach to their teammates and the program as a whole.
More conference wins at South Whidbey, Cedarcrest and Granite would give way to a thumping by a much improved Archbishop team on the road and then Senior Night to wrap-up conference play, at home vs Cedar Park and the most amazing comeback in program history. Trailing it 0-2 games and about to get swept, 22-24 in the 3rd set to Cedar Park Christian - a ball that was seemingly in, was called out. A little lucky perhaps but the girls made the most of it by completing the set win and then taking the next two sets - setting off an amazing celebration in Mike Martin!
A loss at Districts and then wins in the Bi-District Tournament meant a 12th straight trip to the State Tournament...and a chance. This team had the talent to make a run but a tough draw meant a quarter-final matchup vs Kalama. A 3-0 opening round sweep of Granger set the stage for the showdown with Kalama, who was undefeated and had dropped only one set all year. The Knights were forced to learn on the fly, with little time and even less information, the Knights went into battle with Kalam and played 'em toe-to-toe before ultimately succumbing in 5 sets and -3 points, 15-12 in the 5th.
After a night of sleep and self-reflection, a new goal was in sight...one of character and history. It takes character to bounce back after such an emotional loss and the dream of a state championship gone. But no King's team has lost consecutive matches in the 11 straight prior years. Win the next match and earn a trophy. To trophy for 12 straight years would certainly be a worthy accomplishment and if it didn't provide the proper motivation, the alternative perhaps would. Ultimately, both Charles Wright Academy and Columbia would fall and the Knights took 5th place and a 12th straight state trophy.
Another special group would take their leave as seniors Daylee Hanson, Morgan Grimm, Hannah Graetzer, Elizabeth Johnson and Sydney Gaenz would graduate. They will be missed but they will also be remembered for their level of commitment, selflessness and cohesive approach to their teammates and the program as a whole.
2015 seniors
Morgan Grimm
Elizabeth Johnson
Sydney Gaenz
Daylee Hanson
Hannah Graetzer
Elizabeth Johnson
Sydney Gaenz
Daylee Hanson
Hannah Graetzer