Lake Stevens sinks Spartans in early season North tussle

LAKE STEVENS — Rivalries stand the test of time and, in the Lake Stevens and Stanwood volleyball teams’ case, conference swapping.

The Vikings and Spartans, who squared off for years as members of the Wesco North conference, met for the first time as nonleague foes Tuesday night. Lake Stevens, which plays in the 4A Wesco North, defeated Stanwood in straight sets 25-23, 26-24, 25-19.

“We have a good rivalry with Lake Stevens,” said Stanwood head coach Erik Titus. “When you see a team a lot, that rivalry develops.”

It’ll be the only time the two teams see each other this season, with the Spartans now in the 3A Wesco North league. Both teams begin conference play on Sept. 23 — Lake Stevens at Mount Vernon and Stanwood hosting Oak Harbor — so Tuesday’s game was a chance to get a little tune-up in before the conference schedule started.

“We’re trying to get our passing and tempo in check, so we’re in control of the matches,” said Vikings’ head coach Amy Wiklund. “We didn’t do that for stretches in this game.”

Lake Stevens led for most of the match. The Vikings took all three sets, weathering a few Stanwood runs, to improve to 4-1 overall this season. Stanwood, which was also 3-1 coming into the game, fell to 3-2.

In the first set, the Vikings had a 14-12 lead before eight straight Stanwood points pushed the Spartans in front. Lake Stevens worked its way back, tying the score at 23 while closing out the first set with a 5-0 run.

In a back-and-forth second set, Lake Stevens junior libero Alexis Alverson hit the ball over the net from her knees after diving to the floor in an attempt to send back a previous hit. The ball fell to the floor on the Spartans’ side, giving the Vikings a 23-21 lead, en route to a 26-24 win.

Alverson finished the game with 18 digs.

“They’re a good squad,” Titus said. “They scrambled and picked up crap I didn’t think they could. They finished and made plays. We didn’t. That’s the difference in the game.”

The Spartans rallied to make the third set interesting, holding off Lake Stevens for three straight match points and bringing the score to 24-19. But a Stanwood serve went long on that point, and the Vikings clinched the win.

The six points were the biggest differential of any set.

“When you have two good teams, that’s the kind of game you expect,” Titus said.

Kendall Swanson had five kills, four blocks and was a perfect 16-for-16 serving and senior captain McKayla Huntley had five kills and four blocks for the Vikings. Emily Vandergrift added four kills.

Wiklund also singled out Christiana James, who plays in the middle of the court. James had five block kills, six kills and seemed to constantly be near the ball.

“I really think she had one of the best games she’s had all season,” Wiklund said. “Those numbers aren’t huge, but she was touching stuff all over the net. I’m excited to see how that carries over (to later games).”

Krista Titus had 19 digs and Rebecca Hardenbrook hit 10 kills to lead Stanwood, which impressed the Lake Stevens coach with its ability to get to — and return — the Vikings’ hard spikes.

“Stanwood is a great team,” Wiklund said. “They picked up a lot of stuff. They’re pretty scrappy. Most teams we play this season should be just as scrappy.”

Each team has one more nonconference game to get ready for next week’s league openers, and the two teams both want to use that game to get a little better before the games start to really count.

Erik Titus’s goal for Stanwood was pretty simple.

“We need to finish,” he said. “You can’t give a good squad like Lake Stevens opportunities.”

And while Wiklund appreciates the extra few games to learn, she believes that she and the Vikings are ready for those league games.

“We’re still working on things, even though we’re winning matches,” she said. “That’s a good place to be. It’s fun and it builds confidence for the girls and that’s good.

“… But we are ready to start playing some stuff that counts.”

At Lake Stevens High School

Stanwood232419—0

Lake Stevens252625—3

Highlights—Stanwood: Krista Titus 19 digs; Rebecca Hardenbrook 10 kills. Lake Stevens: Alexis Alverson 18 digs; Christiana James 5 blocks. Records–Stanwood 3-2 overall. Lake Stevens 4-1.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.