In a packed Bonney Lake gym, the energy crackled with the anticipation of a classic rivalry showdown between the Panthers and the neighboring Sumner Spartans. Both teams entered the match searching for their first league win of the season. Bonney Lake, fresh off a loss to Spanaway Lake, came in 0-2 in league play, while Sumner, reeling from a loss to Bethel, stood at 0-1.
But by the end of the night, the Panthers not only found their first league victory but did so in dramatic fashion. Adding to the sweetness of the win? Bonney Lake head coach Hayley Steinman—a Sumner alum—leading her squad to triumph over her former school.
In the opening set, the Spartans came out firing. Neither team could gain separation as the score tied at 6-6, then 11-11, and finally 19-19. Both squads traded powerful hits and blocked shots, the sound of the action echoing through the gym. Sumner edged out Bonney Lake in a tightly contested first set, 25-22, to take an early 1-0 lead.
Set two followed a similar script, with the Spartans jumping to a 7-4 lead. But the Panthers weren't ready to roll over. Behind the power of senior Abby Wilson’s booming spikes, Bonney Lake clawed back to a 12-11 lead. More big swings from Wilson, plus a key putaway from junior Jada Shipp, pushed Bonney Lake ahead 20-18. However, Sumner stormed back to steal the set 25-23, putting the Panthers down 0-2.
With the crowd’s energy fading and Bonney Lake needing a spark, the Panthers faced a steep climb. With their backs against the wall, Bonney Lake had no choice but to fight back—and they did just that. Down 11-6 in the third set, it was Shipp again who provided the spark with one of her team-leading seven blocks, putting the Panthers ahead 21-20. An Abby Wilson spike pushed the Panthers to 23-21, and they closed out the set 25-21 to stay alive.
Down 1-2, Bonney Lake needed a hero, and Abby Wilson answered the call. Wilson put on a clinic in the fourth set, leading the team with 27 digs and a match-high 28 kills. She swung with authority, powering the Panthers to leads of 8-5, 14-8, and eventually 21-13. Freshman Marley Joseph put the exclamation mark on the set with a booming spike, giving the Panthers a dominant 25-13 win and sending the match to a decisive fifth set.
The Panthers had all the momentum and the home crowd on their side as they stormed into the final set. Bonney Lake raced out to a 3-0 lead, with big contributions coming from all sides. Sophomore Taylin Beers’ massive kill extended the lead to 14-8, and with the crowd roaring in anticipation, Bonney Lake closed out the match 15-9.
The Panthers’ 3-2 victory marked not only their first league win but a defining moment in their young season. Head coach Steinman, with a smile beaming brighter than any of her team's big hits, savored the win over her alma mater.
Stat leaders for Bonney Lake:
- Abby Wilson: 27 digs, 28 kills
- Tessa Lee: 26 digs
- Lia Predmore: 35 assists, 2 aces
- Taylin Beers: 18 kills, 2 aces
- Jada Shipp: 7 blocks
In a match filled with drama, intensity, and heart, it was the Panthers who walked away with the last word—etched in victory.
Photo credit of Taylin Beers: www.intensitysportsphotography.com
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