By John Leggett

The Courier-Herald

For the first time in several years it appears the Sumner High volleyball squad will not be moving on to postseason action. After losing two crucial South Puget Sound League 3A matches last week, the Spartans’ record dropped to 2-5 in league play.

Unless Sumner pulled off a major upset over 5-2 Bonney Lake Monday night in the Panthers’ den, the Spartans, who finished fifth at state last season, will be left on the outside looking in.

Sumner pushed its Oct. 19 match with the Peninsula Seahawks to five games, winning the second and fourth games, but Peninsula prevailed 16-14 in a cliffhanger of a sudden death match. While senior setter Kailey Smith wasn’t allowing much to hit the hardwood as she had 40 assists, Katie Egbert and Sidney Erickson teamed up for 28 kills and Carly Lange had four blocks.

On Oct. 21, White River trimmed the Spartans 3-1. The visiting Hornets won the initial game 25-22, but SHS provided a glimmer of hope as it sprung back to win the second clash 25-19. The optimism was short lived though, as White River won the next two 25-21 and 25-14.

Erickson recorded 18 kills against White River and Smith managed 31 assists.