The Enumclaw Hornets hosted Steilacoom High last week and the two volleyball squads combined for an entertaining, hard-fought match. The visiting Sentinels came out on top of the 3-2 decision, handing the Hornets their first loss of the season.

The Hornets followed it up with a cross-Cascades trek Saturday, leaving a positive impression on those witnessing the Yakima Sundome Volleyball Festival.

Participating in the 18th annual tourney and competing in a field of 32 teams, the Hornets advanced to the semifinals and took third-place honors.

The EHS squad, under the direction of veteran coach Jackie Carel, took first in pool play. That came as a result of matches against Lynden Christian, Ellensburg and Kennewick. That sent Enumclaw to a quarterfinal pairing against Tahoma High, which EHS won 23-25, 25-15, 16-14. In the semifinal round, the Hornets faced the Mead Panthers and fell 25-17, 25-14 to the squad from Spokane’s north side.

Mead went on to win the “large school” portion of the Sundome tourney, defeating in-district rival Mount Spokane High School.

Kira HaWaaboo and Bella Firnkoess provide defense at the net. Photo by Kevin Hanson.