By Gerardo Bolong

Enthusiasm and effort fell short for the Evergreen High School girls volleyball team in a 3-0 Class 2A West Central District loss to Olympic on Friday, Nov. 2, in a loser-out battle at Franklin Pierce High School.

"Our team normally shows a lot of heart and a lot of fire," said Wolverine coach Bethany Tate. "Everybody needed to show up and be ready to play. We just could not show the fire for the entire match. Olympic also made less mistakes."

Evergreen began the first set as if mired in quicksand, showing an assortment of mistakes as Olympic drove its advantage to 10-2. The Wolverines from White Center were unable to string more than two points in a row while the Trojans maintained the lead.

Keeping their spirits up, the Wolverines managed to close within 15-9 before Olynpic used a service ace and several other big serves to hold a 19-9 margin.

Suddenly, Evergreen showcased the energy and fire that was lacking in the earlier part of the set.
Taking side out on a net serve, the Wolverines served, passed and volleyed for a nine point scoring run to pull within 19-18. Evergreen consistently found holes in a somewhat passive Trojan defense.

After an errant serve gave the ball back to Olympic while also placing the Trojans in a 20-18 lead, the Wolverines clawed back to tie the set at 20-all. Olympic emerged to regain the momentum and closed out the set at 25-20.

"We were just inspired to work hard and have more energy to be ready for anything," said sophomore outside hitter Caroline Tupa of the awesome comeback try. "We wanted it really bad and had it for a second before it slipped away. I learned what it takes at district and I'm ready to come back."

The extra energy had slipped away and the Wolverines were unable to capture the igniting force that fueled the comeback in the remaining sets.

Evergreen overcame an 8-4 deficit in the second set to stay within 11-8 and 12-9 before Olympic gradually built up its lead. Trailing 19-12, the Wolverines fell victim to a four-point Trojan surge that led to a 25-15 set win for Olympic.

Within the dimly lit confines of the auxiliary gym, Evergreen attempted to escape to daylight with a third set victory. The Wolverines kept hanging just close enough to keep hope and closed within 13-12. Olympic posted leads that ranged from three to six points the rest of the way.
Four times, Evergreen fought within four points at 19-15, 20-16, 21-17 and 22-18, before the Trojans finally closed out the set and match, 25-15.

Sina Vili earned six digs while Tupa combined six digs and two aces. Cecilia Vu had 10 assists.
Evergreen closed out its season at 6-12 with the promise of even better seasons ahead.
Libero Vili graduates, but most of the starters are eligible to return next season.
"We're a young team and the girls have it in them to play strongly," concluded Tate.