Three’s company

SEATTLE — Not long after they joined forces, Stephanie Augustavo, Merryl Pohl and Tori Ross were well on their way to ruling the court.

In sixth, seventh and eighth grade, the three were part of a stacked St. Luke squad that didn’t lose a single match.

“We were the team to beat,” Pohl shrugged.

That hasn’t changed.

Augustavo, Pohl and Ross have maintained their winning tradition through the high school ranks as vital pieces of one of the state’s premier volleyball programs.

The longtime teammates from Shoreline serve as the backbone of a veteran Bishop Blanchet team that tied for first in the Metro League Mountain Division. Their presence propelled the Catholic school deep into the playoffs in the past and to the top of this year’s Class 3A state rankings.

“They have that great experience and know what it takes to get to certain places in the postseason,” Blanchet coach Joanne Gilligan said. “They’ve enjoyed success as well as defeat. So they’re pretty motivated to finish their careers strong.”

They’re friends first and foremost. Friends who share the same commitment to conquering the competition.

“They feed off each other and they know each other so well,” Gilligan said. “They get along and they hang out outside of volleyball, and that’s not always the case. It’s pretty neat they’ve remained close and share the common goal of wanting to succeed.”

Recent history suggests the program’s standard for success is climbing at a rapid pace.

Blanchet finished third at the Sea-King District tournament in 2001, second in 2002 and first last year. The Braves won the Metro tournament in 2001 and placed second to three-time defending state champion Seattle Prep the past two years.

“Every year we’ve put ourselves in good position to compete for league titles, district titles and even state titles,” Gilligan said. “The kids have a lot of pride in coming and playing here.”

After dropping its season opener, Blanchet reeled off 15 straight wins. Two defeats at the Fife Classic brought the month-long win streak to a halt, but the Braves battled back through the loser’s bracket behind an MVP performance by Augustavo to capture the tournament title.

“We’ve been disappointed a few times, but it just makes us work harder,” Ross said.

Third-ranked Bainbridge edged Blanchet in five games Oct. 14 to earn a share of the division title. Both teams received byes into the semifinals of this week’s league playoffs.

“We had high expectations of ourselves coming into this season,” Augustavo said. “We’ve finished fifth at state the past two years and this year we hope to do better.”

To avoid another slip-up at state along the lines of last year’s uncharacteristic opening-round collapse against Prosser, the Braves are relying heavily on the steady play and poise of Augustavo, Pohl, Ross and four other seniors.

“They’re really great kids to have because they’re passionate about playing volleyball. They’re motivated and they provide a lot of leadership,” Gilligan said.

In a sport where constant communication is crucial, the core of the Blanchet lineup has established a rapport over time that’s rooted in trust.

“They know each other well enough where they can say things and not be offended,” Gilligan said. “It’s like family. You can be honest and up front and the love and respect is always there.”

Augustavo and Ross actually are related by blood. The 5-foot-11 co-captains are cousins who were born just two weeks apart.

Both are third-year starters who expect to continue their careers at the college level. Neither have decided on a destination but are down to a few candidates.

Widely regarded as one of the elite outside hitters in the state, Augustavo received first-team, all-league honors as a sophomore and junior. Gilligan praised her standout’s “coachability.”

“Even in the middle of a match if you say, ‘Look for this opportunity, or if this situation presents itself, try this,’ she’ll do it. She makes adjustments on the fly,” Gilligan said. “She has a good understanding of the game and a good feel for the game as well as possessing the athletic ability to perform at a high level.”

Augustavo is also known as a fierce competitor, no matter the setting. Her effort is the same whether it’s the playoffs or practice.

“She hates to lose drills we do,” Gilligan said. “She’s a pretty harsh critic of her own play. When she makes a mistake she gets upset at herself, but she’s strong and confident enough to come back and make it up on the next play.”

Most of Augustavo’s rally-ending kills are the result of on-the-money feeds from Ross, an accomplished setter and hitter who possesses a rare combination of qualities.

“It’s kind of everybody’s dream to have a left-handed setter with height,” Gilligan said. “She has just made tremendous improvements in her play over the years and really developed herself into one of the better players in the state.”

Playing alongside Augustavo and Ross for the Washington Volleyball Academy select team has helped Pohl elevate her game as well. Gilligan described the 5-foot-11 middle blocker as a physical player who fortifies Blanchet’s front row.

“Club made a huge difference for her,” Ross added. “She’s a force to be reckoned with on the court now.”

Two other Braves have local ties. Middle blocker Alicia Adiele lives in Shoreline and setter Maria Eskandari also attended St. Luke School.

Augustavo attributes much of the team’s impeccable track record to a genuine cohesiveness that extends beyond the court.

“We’re best friends outside of volleyball,” she said. “These are the people I hang out with when we’re not doing volleyball, on the weekends and out of season. These are my closest friends.”

The tight-knit group now turns its focus to defending its district crown. Metro teams swept all four state berths last year and three went on to place in the top five at the 3A tournament.

Improving on their back-to-back fifth-place showings at state remains a long-term goal for the Braves, who found out last fall what can happen if they underestimate an opponent.

“We’re not looking too far in the future because of last year,” Augustavo said in reference to the surprising loss to Prosser. “We’re just taking it game by game and we hope to finish out on top.”