Emerald Ridge Claims SPSL 4A Volleyball League Championship
The Emerald Ridge Jaguars secured the SPSL 4A League Championship on Saturday, November 7, defeating the Curtis Vikings 3-1 to take the top spot in the tournament. While the Vikings controlled the opening set with a 25-18 score, Emerald Ridge responded with three consecutive sets to finalize the victory, winning 25-16, 25-8, and 25-18. According to reporting from West 42 Sports, the Jaguars’ momentum proved too much for Curtis to overcome once the match shifted in the second set.
This league tournament serves as a critical seeding mechanism for the upcoming district tournament. While the championship trophy goes to Emerald Ridge, the stakes extend beyond the final score; all eight participating teams have officially advanced to the district level. The results from this weekend will dictate the bracket placement for the district tournament, which is scheduled to begin on November 11. For the top performers, the ultimate goal remains the state tournament held in Yakima.
Tournament Standings and Match Results
The two-day event, which began with opening rounds on November 5 at Emerald Ridge and Curtis High School, concluded with a full slate of placement matches on Saturday. The competition was intense, particularly in the middle-tier matches where sets were decided by narrow margins.
The following table summarizes the final placement matches held on November 7:
| Placement | Winning Team | Score | Opposing Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Place (Champions) | Emerald Ridge | 3-1 | Curtis |
| 3rd Place | Puyallup | 3-1 | Graham-Kapowsin |
| 5th Place | Bethel | 3-0 | Bonnie Lake |
| 7th Place | Spanaway Lake | 3-1 | Olympia |
In the third-place match, the Puyallup Vikings defeated Graham-Kapowsin 3-1. Amelia Guardipee earned the Sumner Holiday Inn Express MVP award for her performance, noted for high-level contributions to both the offense and defense. Meanwhile, the Bethel Braves secured fifth place with a straight-set sweep over Bonnie Lake, winning 25-23, 25-23, and 25-16. Sonoma Straits was named the MVP for Bethel following the match.
Individual Standouts and MVP Honors
Individual excellence defined several of the most contested matches throughout the weekend. In the championship match, Olivia Puttler was recognized as the Sumner Holiday Inn Express MVP for the Jaguars. Her role was characterized by significant defensive plays and a high volume of assists that helped stabilize the team during their second-set comeback.
The opening round on Thursday, November 5, also produced standout performances that set the stage for Saturday’s finals. Notable individual honors from the first day included:
- Tee Haizlip (Emerald Ridge): MVP of the opening match against Graham-Kapowsin.
- Kathryn Harris (Curtis): MVP of the opening match against Puyallup.
- Talyin Beers (Bonnie Lake): MVP of the opening match against Spanaway Lake.
- Sharlene Muchina (Bethel): MVP of the opening match against Olympia.
In the seventh-place match, Spanaway Lake’s victory over Olympia was anchored by Deneh Sharp, who earned MVP honors for an outstanding effort that led the Sentinels to their 3-1 win.
The Road to the State Tournament in Yakima
As the league tournament concludes, the focus shifts immediately to the district tournament starting November 11. For the teams in the SPSL 4A, the margin for error has disappeared. The seeding established this weekend will determine which paths these athletes must take to reach the state tournament in Yakima the following week.
While Emerald Ridge and Curtis are expected to occupy the upper echelon of the district brackets, the depth of the league means every team, including those in the 5th through 7th place slots, remains in contention for a postseason run. The transition from league play to districts represents the most high-pressure phase of the season, where single-game outcomes directly impact a program’s ability to compete at the state level.
The district tournament will feature its own dedicated coverage and hub once the schedule is finalized.
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