LAKEWOOD — The Lady Cougars had two Cascade Conference victories early in the season and remained undefeated after sweeping Granite Falls at home on Thursday, Sept. 19, 3-0.

After defeating rival Archbishop Murphy in the season home opener in an intense five game, 3-2 match, the Cougars continued to succeed with a 3-1 victory over Coupeville on Tuesday, Sept. 17, and a sweeping win over the Tigers on Sept. 19.

“We returned all of our girls except for one senior, and bringing Kate Anderson into that position I knew that we weren’t going to skip a beat. Coming into the season, I did have high expectations,” said head coach Tasha Kryger. “I knew that the Archbishop match was going to be a tough one. In the past, Archbishop and King’s have been No. 1 and No. 2 in the district, but we decided that we want to be No. 1 or No. 2.”

The Cougars also travelled to Yakima for the non-conference Sun Dome Invitational and faced teams from across the state on Sept. 14.

“All four classes were there — 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A,” said Kryger. “We ultimately placed 11th out of 32 teams, which is the best finish we have ever had. We beat some very good teams and bigger teams. I was really proud of them.”

Coming back from the invitational and traveling to Coupeville left the team a little tired, but no less successful.

“We did the drive over to Coupeville, and they were confident from playing against bigger teams, but very tired,” said Kryger. “I think we just kind of missed the beat there a little bit, but still pulled out a win.”

In the match against Granite Falls, the home atmosphere and new uniforms helped pump up the team.

“Kendall O’Kinsella had 13 assists, four service aces and nine digs. She was our stat leader, but other people chipped in with individual things,” said Kryger. “We were trying to get our chemistry going with our setters and our middle. Kate Anderson had 10 kills — she is an amazing kid. Skylar Cannon and Rachel Reinecke both had eight kills.”

The Cougars host King’s, also undefeated, on Thursday, Sept. 26.

“They are tough. We watched them at the Yakima tournament,” said Kryger. “They have hitters and they have a good setter. I think they will go to the middle a lot. They are all very experienced, talented players and we are going to do our best.”