Curtis Crushes Kennedy Catholic: Vikings Dominate 4A Title Rematch to Avenge Rivalry…Read More…
The echoes of last year’s heartbreak reverberated through the Curtis High School gym for nearly twelve months. In 2024, the Vikings fell short in their bid for a 4A state volleyball crown at the hands of Kennedy Catholic, a loss that left players, coaches, and fans with a lingering ache. But this time, on the biggest stage once again, Curtis flipped the script. With precision, poise, and power, the Vikings stormed past the Lancers in a decisive sweep, 3–0, to capture the 2025 Washington 4A state championship and deny Kennedy Catholic its shot at repeat glory.
From the opening serve, it was clear Curtis came not just to compete, but to dominate. Senior outside hitter and tournament MVP, Emily Larson, set the tone with a blistering kill on the first rally, a shot that ignited the Viking faithful who filled the stands in shades of navy and silver. The team never looked back, controlling the tempo and pace of the match in a way that reminded everyone how much can change in a year.
“We remembered what it felt like to walk off that court last year with tears in our eyes,” Larson said after the victory, holding the championship trophy tightly. “This was personal. Every practice, every drill, every weight-room session—it was all building to this moment. We weren’t going to let history repeat itself.”
First Set: A Statement of Intent
The first set ended 25–18 in favor of Curtis, but the scoreline barely captured the dominance on display. Behind a balanced attack that featured contributions from middle blocker Samantha Nguyen and setter Kayla Robinson, the Vikings dismantled Kennedy Catholic’s defensive structure. The Lancers, known for their ability to rally late in sets, looked overwhelmed by Curtis’s relentless serving pressure and quick transition play.
“We wanted to send a message early,” said Robinson, who tallied 32 assists in the match. “If you give a team like Kennedy Catholic any breathing room, they’ll find a way to come back. We didn’t give them that chance.”
Second Set: The Tug of War
The second set proved to be the most competitive of the night, with Kennedy Catholic digging deep to try and claw their way back into contention. The Lancers’ star outside hitter, Maya Johnson, delivered a string of powerful kills, and for a brief stretch, the reigning champions looked like they might tilt momentum back in their favor.
But Curtis responded with resilience. Down 22–21, the Vikings strung together four straight points, fueled by clutch serving from libero Jordan Ellis and a pair of emphatic blocks at the net. The set ended 25–22, and with it, Kennedy Catholic’s hopes of a comeback began to fade.
“That second set was the turning point,” said head coach Rachel Stevenson, who earned her first state title as head coach after years as an assistant. “If we drop that set, things get tighter, and the pressure shifts. But our girls showed the composure of champions. They refused to crack.”
Third Set: Sealing the Deal
By the third set, Curtis smelled blood. The Vikings raced out to a 10–3 lead, forcing Kennedy Catholic to burn both timeouts early. Every point from there felt like a countdown to destiny. The Lancers tried to muster one final push, but Curtis’s defense stood impenetrable, digging out attacks and converting them into points with ruthless efficiency.
The final score—25–16—sent the Curtis bench spilling onto the court in celebration. Tears of joy replaced last year’s tears of defeat, and the trophy that had slipped through their hands in 2024 was finally theirs.
Redemption Complete
For the Curtis program, this championship was more than a title—it was redemption. The Vikings finished the season 29–1, their lone loss coming in a midseason non-conference matchup they used as fuel for the playoff run.
“This wasn’t just about volleyball,” Stevenson said. “It was about belief, about resilience, about refusing to be defined by the past. These girls wrote their own ending tonight.”
The victory also marked a symbolic passing of the torch. Larson, Nguyen, and Robinson will graduate in the spring, leaving behind a legacy of determination and grit. But with rising stars like sophomore outside hitter Lily Thompson waiting in the wings, Curtis looks poised to remain a powerhouse for years to come.
On the other side, Kennedy Catholic was gracious in defeat. Head coach Mark Whitaker praised his team for their effort and acknowledged Curtis’s superior performance.
“They were the better team tonight, plain and simple,” Whitaker said. “We’ve had some incredible battles with Curtis over the years, and while tonight didn’t go our way, I’m proud of our girls. Championships are won in the details, and Curtis nailed every detail tonight.”
Community Celebration
Back in University Place, the Curtis community is already buzzing with pride. Alumni, parents, and students packed the stands, and the victory celebration spilled into the night with chants of “Vikings! Vikings!” echoing across the gym.
“This is a moment that will live forever in Curtis history,” said athletic director Tom Wallace. “Our girls didn’t just win a trophy—they inspired a community.”
As the curtain fell on the 2025 volleyball season, one truth stood tall: revenge had been denied, history had been rewritten, and Curtis volleyball had earned its long-awaited crown.
Leave a Reply