Jets Volleyball Team Crowned “Queens of the Island”

Encinal High School volleyball defeated Saint Joseph’s Notre Dame (SJND) 3-0 on October 6 in their annual “Dig Pink” match. The win, coupled with the Jets 3-0 win against Alameda High School on October 5, ensured Encinal would take home the unofficial title of “Queens of the Island.” Encinal last defeated both SJND and Alameda in 2021. Alameda took home the title in 2022.

Alameda Post - a volleyball match where players are wearing pink ribbons in their hair. One player celebrates with their hands up
Encinal Junior Sadie Nordberg reacts after an Encinal point against St. Joe’s. Photo Leelou Leary.

“It’s so awesome to be able to show our strength as a team against the other schools on the island,” said junior Malia Gordon, “especially since we’ve lost to them several times in the past few seasons. Sweeping both teams feels really good and shows that we aren’t a team to be messed with.”

Encinal (17-10) beat Alameda (6-13) in three straight sets: 25-20, 25-16, 25-19 on October 5. The Jets had another strong outing the next night against SJND (14-7), winning 25-14, 25-22, 25-20.

Alameda Post - players on a volleyball court
Malia Gordon and Kai Gordon watch a St. Joseph’s serve go by on October 6. Photo Leelou Leary.
Alameda Post - teammates celebrate on a volleyball court
Malia Gordon and Emiko Takemoto celebrate a point against Alameda on October 5. Photo Leelou Leary.

“Beating AHS and St. Joe’s in the same season is super rewarding,” said senior Ila Cantrell. “It shows how we’ve grown as a team.”

The Jets are currently ranked 7th in NCS Division 3. St. Joseph’s is ranked 11th in NCS Division 4, and Alameda is ranked 17th in NCS Division 2.

Joshua Linville is an English teacher and Journalism advisor at Encinal Junior/Senior High School.

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