Sports shorts: Tennis, volleyball, XC and more

Boys tennis

The Eatonville High School boy’s tennis team showcased their resilience and determination last week as they bounced back from a challenging start to the season, securing a thrilling victory in their first match.

Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, the team had suffered a 1-4 loss to Life Christian, with their sole win coming in the #2 Doubles category, where Carl Lucas and Nate Goode displayed incredible teamwork. They battled through a fierce contest and emerged victorious with a final scoreline of 4-6, 6-1, 10-8.

However, the real moment of triumph came on Thursday, when the team faced off against East Jefferson. The Eatonville boys came out swinging, winning all three doubles matches and sealing a remarkable 3-2 victory. The #1 Doubles pairing of AJ Lightfoot and Jacob Golding set the tone with a dominant performance, securing a resounding 6-0, 6-0 win.

Building on this momentum, Carl Lucas and Nate Goode, who had already proven their mettle earlier in the week, continued their winning streak with a solid 6-0, 6-1 victory at #2 Doubles. Dana Bazan and Jackson Riley rounded out the outstanding performance in the doubles category, clinching victory with a convincing 6-1, 6-1 win at #3 Doubles.

The Eatonville High School boy’s tennis team's remarkable comeback showcased their determination and skill, leaving fans and supporters excited about the season ahead. With their first win under their belts, the team is poised for further success and ready to take on future challenges with the same tenacity that led them to this impressive victory.

Volleyball

The Eatonville High School girls' volleyball team had an impressive week, securing two back-to-back wins that marked a significant turnaround from their previous season's performance. On Tuesday, they dominated the 2A classification Rochester Warriors, winning all three sets in a 3-0 victory. Their success continued on Thursday when they faced the Vashon Pirates, clinching another victory with a 3-1 scoreline.

These two wins in a single week already surpassed their total number of wins from the entire previous season. The team's improved performance comes at a crucial time, as they are set to kick off 1A Evergreen League play this week with a highly anticipated match against Montesano on Thursday. The Eatonville High School girls' volleyball team seems to be hitting their stride at just the right moment, showing promising signs for the rest of the season.

Cross country

On Sept. 20, Eatonville High School's cross country team showcased their talent at the Marymount Time Trials held at the Marymount Event Center. Facing stiff competition from four other high schools, Chief Leschi, Curtis, Emerald Ridge, and Rogers, our Eatonville athletes delivered impressive performances that left a lasting mark on the course.

In the girl's 2-mile race, a total of 49 girls fiercely competed, but it was Eatonville's Grace Coonrod who emerged as the star of the day. Grace blazed through the course with a remarkable time of 12 minutes and 30 seconds, achieving a personal best and securing the top spot. Her dedication and hard work truly paid off.

The Eatonville girls’ team also saw strong performances from Cheyanne Price, who finished in 9th place with a time of 14 minutes and 10 seconds, and Bridget Stumph, who finished in 22nd place with a time of 15 minutes and 48 seconds. Hannah Bieker, despite facing challenges, displayed great determination and finished the race with a time of 23 minutes and 36 seconds.

In the boy's 2-mile race, the competition was fierce, with 96 boys giving their all. Colton Rush led the charge for Eatonville, finishing in 11th place with an impressive time of 11 minutes and 32 seconds. Joe Mueller wasn't far behind, securing 15th place with a personal best time of 11 minutes and 43 seconds.

The strong showing continued with Owen Van Eaton finishing 23rd with a time of 12 minutes and 4 seconds, followed closely by Ben Morrish and Titus Lowe, both clocking in at 12 minutes and 52 seconds. Titus Lowe also achieved a personal best.

The rest of the Eatonville boys’ team put on a valiant effort, with notable personal bests from Daniel Hamilton (13 minutes and 12 seconds), Reed Monroe (14 minutes and 21 seconds), and Micah Vannier (14 minutes and 36 seconds).

Jasper Beck gave it his all, finishing in 91st place with a time of 17 minutes and 22 seconds, rounding out the impressive display of dedication and teamwork from the Eatonville High School cross country team.

Swimming

The Eatonville High School swim team displayed their determination and skill in two thrilling meets last week, facing off against Tumwater at home on Tuesday and then traveling to Aberdeen on Wednesday. Despite the grueling schedule, the team showcased their competitive spirit and earned several notable achievements.

Tuesday's matchup against Tumwater proved to be a closely contested affair. While the team secured only one first-place finish, courtesy of the remarkable Gracie Forsman in the 100 Free, they kept the score tight in what was a fiercely competitive meet. In addition to Gracie Forsman's victory, four swimmers achieved district qualifying times. Gracie Forsman accomplished this feat not only in the 100 Free but also in the challenging 200 IM. Kaylee Bernt also secured her spot with impressive performances in the 200 Free and 500 Free events.

On Wednesday, the team embarked on a road trip to Aberdeen, facing the challenges of a back-to-back schedule and a lengthy journey. However, their determination remained undeterred. In Aberdeen, they managed to secure three first-place finishes, showcasing their resilience and talent. Gracie Forsman continued her remarkable run, taking the top spot in both the 50 Free and 100 Breaststroke events. Kaylee Bernt added to her district qualifying accomplishments with impressive performances in the 200 IM and 500 Free.

With these impressive results, the Eatonville High School swim team has set the stage for an exciting season ahead. Fans and supporters can look forward to their upcoming meets, with a home matchup against Shelton scheduled for Sept. 26, and another home meet against CCR (a combined team of Centralia, Chehalis, and Rochester) on Sept. 28. The team's dedication and perseverance are sure to make these upcoming contests must-see events for local swimming enthusiasts.A roundup of Cruisers’ team results and individual marks.