SHORELINE — First game jitters.
That’s what middle hitter Libby Reynolds blames for the Shorecrest volleyball team’s two-point loss to Redmond in the opening game of the season. Those nerves didn’t stick around long.
Since the slip-up, the Scots have been untouchable. Shorecrest stormed back to defeat Redmond in four hard-fought games and has yet to drop another game.
“Ever since then, we don’t expect to lose,” Reynolds said. “We have that standard set.”
The Scots swept crosstown Shorewood in the Western Conference South Division opener for both teams Tuesday night at Shorecrest High School to extend their unbeaten streak to 21 games.
Hampered by unforced errors and a stubborn Shorecrest defense, Shorewood never built a lead larger than three points as the Scots sailed to a 25-12, 25-18, 25-8 victory.
“Shorecrest is very good. They have a lot of experienced players and they play at a very competitive level,” Shorewood co-captain Natalie Soules said.
“They’re not flawless but they play a good game of keepaway. They keep the ball off the floor and they wait for the other team to make mistakes. That got to us mentally.”
The Thunderbirds came back from a five-point deficit in the third game to pull even at 7-all before Shorecrest closed out the match with a 16-0 run. Nine of the points were the result of Shorewood miscues and four were caused by ferocious spikes from Becky Scherer.
The 6-foot-1 middle hitter finished with 11 kills and a block, Reynolds added eight kills and Jessica Hadfield had three kills.
Shorecrest (1-0 league, 7-0 overall) capitalized on four errors to grab an 8-2 edge in the first game and never trailed. Reynolds, Scherer, Kate Watkins and Mary Tseng all contributed kills during an 11-3 spurt that put the Thunderbirds (0-1, 3-4) away.
Back-to-back errors by the Scots allowed Shorewood to take a 9-6 advantage in the second game. But freshman setter Anna Herold served out nine straight points for Shorecrest to spark a 17-4 rally. Herold led the Scots with 23 assists and 11 digs.
Shorewood was coming off a strong showing at last weekend’s South Whidbey Invitational. In pool play, the Thunderbirds defeated eventual champion Omak and two other teams that finished in the top five.
“Everyone has become more confident on the court and has trust in each other,” Soules said. “We know we have the potential, we just have to execute while we’re out there.”
Outside hitter Mary Tseng attributed Shorecrest’s sizzling start to teamwork and communication.
“We have pretty intense chemistry on this team. That’s a big part of it,” she said. “People are starting to notice. Everyone’s going to be ready for us. There will be some good games. We like the competition.”
The Scots are on pace for their 12th consecutive postseason appearance and have reached the state tournament five of the past 11 years, including two trips in a row.
“The expectation is always high,” junior Emily Gould said, “but now it’s even higher.”
The pressure is also mounting. By making short work of the opposition, Shorecrest enters league play with a target on its back.
“When you’re undefeated, pretty much everyone’s out to get you,” Reynolds said. “Teams are going to be up to play us, but we’re definitely up to the challenge.”
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