Big Game Preview: Curtis vs Lake Stevens

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4A Powers face off Monday, September 29th at Curtis High School. </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Monday, two teams with dreams of a 4A state title face off. Lake Stevens has arguably the best player in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='231549' first='Laura' last='Eichert'], while Curtis is the defending 4A state champion and has a stacked roster back for another run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Curtis has notched impressive sweeps over Puyallup, Emerald Ridge, and Kennedy Catholic in an undefeated start to their season. The champs have only dropped a single set, and these Vikings from University Place have top players at several positions on the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='459079' first='Kathryn' last='Harris'] sets the tone for the team from her setter spot. The junior is a terrific two-way player who plays defense like a libero and is a fierce competitor. Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='251023' first='Elaina' last='Duong'] is a high-quality player who keeps the team in system with her work in serve receive and defense. Experienced attackers [player_tooltip player_id='243689' first='Selana' last='Morales'], [player_tooltip player_id='554223' first='Kayla' last='Baker'], and [player_tooltip player_id='809795' first='Mia' last='Nelson'] have been joined by two underclassmen, [player_tooltip player_id='790093' first='Tala' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='880083' first='Bella' last='Mcnaughton']. Curtis has depth with several other players who can step in and deliver a key dig or hard-to-handle serve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lake Stevens Vikings' offense is led by the senior duo of [player_tooltip player_id='231549' first='Laura' last='Eichert'] and Olivia Gonzalez. Gonzalez dished out over 100 0 assists last season, and is a crafty scorer when she is in the front row setter spot. Eichert handles the heavy lifting for Lake Stevens offensively. She is a powerful attacker who is used to taking big swings from anywhere on the court when a match is on the line. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='740598' first='Ella' last='Iseminger'] handles the other OH spot, and [player_tooltip player_id='708645' first='Audrey' last='Iseminger'] handles the libero spot for the Vikings. Two senior middles, [player_tooltip player_id='244105' first='Kamryn' last='Strom'] and [player_tooltip player_id='772287' first='Taylor' last='Bayley'], give Lake Stevens experience at the net. Lake Stevens is 5-0 according to the WIAA, but did drop a 2-1 tournament match to Gonzaga Prep at the Sundome Festival Tournament earlier in September. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>TWO SOPHOMORES TO WATCH</strong>. Seniors and juniors may be the headline players in this matchup, but two sophomore attackers are sharing major roles for their teams. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["790093"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68da0d8174a2e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson is an athletic undersized pin who has the ability to score and make defensive plays with her speed and quickness. The 2028 prospect is making things happen off the right side for the Vikings. She can deliver a key block, rip off a kill, and play solid, athletic off-ball defense. Johnson has a good knack for making an impactful play, expect her to make a difference in the match on Monday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["740598"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68da0d8174a94"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Iseminger is a talented all-around player who possesses nice ball control, athleticism, and the will to score from the pin. She is called upon to keep defenses honest and score when Eichert is in the back row. Lake Stevens relies on the sophomore to play gritty defense, pass effectively, and find a way to capitalize on opportunities when they arise. All her stats are on the rise from last season; she has a chance to grow into her role as Lake Stevens builds throughout the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>WHAT TO EXPECT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is difficult for any team to face the combination of Eichert and Gonzalez and pull off a straight-sets victory, even a team with the talent and depth of Curtis. However, these Curtis players have almost all faced the powerful pair multiple times, whether in school ball or in club. With a long winning streak on the line and playing at home, Curtis has a chance to deliver a sweep. That same hype should have a young, hungry Lake Stevens excited to make a statement. Both teams have shown that where they play on October 1st is not going to be the absolute peak- these coaching staffs know how to have them peaking in late November. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Curtis will have a game plan to contain Eichert as best they can, while maintaining pressure with a varied attack that keeps opponents honest and unable to focus on any one position or player. The depth, experience, and home court advantage should give Curtis confidence in the matchup, but I expect they will get Lake Stevens' best effort on Monday night. Lake Stevens may snag a set, and if things are rolling, could push the match to a fifth set. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->