sports CORRESPONDENT

Thomas Jefferson sharpened its focus and pounded powerfully at the net for a 3-1 South Puget Sound League volleyball match victory Thursday at cross town rival Federal Way.

During the Raiders' first match win in four tries, several elements factored into the success.

"The first two games we were strong at the net," observed Raider head coach Robin McNet. "Playing Federal Way is never easy for us. It's a very mental game from everybody to play as a team. We lost our focus then, but pulled together again at the end of the fourth game.

Thomas Jefferson took the reigns of leadership quickly in game No. 1. Communicating early and often the Raiders preyed on Eagle mistakes to assume a 17-9 lead. Federal Way flew back for a 4:0 run to draw within 17-13, but TJ's Jenna Bronson followed two Eagle mistakes with a point scoring blast. Emily Seekins served an ace to continue the offense that finally halted on its sixth consecutive point. One Eagle point later Bronson slammed a point ahead of her twisting two-handed shot that ended game No. 1.

"My team pulled it together and really wanted it," Megan Housman said.

Tied at 2-2 in the second game, Jefferson gained serve while scoring its third point off Federal Way's serve. Morgan Green served an ace and the Raiders focused for a torrential storm of scoring. Bronson was prominent in the front line while Thomas Jefferson racked up nine consecutive points for an 11-2 control. At one point Jefferson led 17-5. The final score was 25-15.

"The team was communicating and getting our hits in when we needed to," stated the Raiders' Lindsey Sweat.

Looking for a sweep, the Raiders encountered much stiffer resistance in the third game. Federal Way wiped out a 2-0 TJ lead to assume a 5-4 upper hand with senior Salena Dickerson pounding the ball from the front line.

Jefferson would eventually knot matters at 8-8, but the Eagles moved away to gain an 11-8 advnatage. The Raiders retaliated with four consecutive points to lead 12-11.

From that point the teams exchange short scoring spurts and single points in back and forth action. Five ties occurred until Jefferson squared the game at 25-25. Jefferson failed to return the ball over the net in three hits and the Eagles went up by one point. Junior outside hitter Nichole Snorteland delivered the win to Federal Way on a block.

"This was our first game win of the season," said Eagle head coach Teri Tuttle. "This is a young team with a lot of potential. They just need to learn how to win. That's why tonight was so important. They need to just realize that they can win."

Federal Way is still seeking its first match win of the season.

Even exchanges were featued in the fourth game until TJ held a 14-11 margin. Two straight Eagle unforced errors set up the Raiders for an Seekins service winner as part of a four point charge that sent Jefferson riding away to an 18-11 lead. TJ extended the difference to eight points at 20-12 and Federal Way never got close than five points in TJ's match clinching 25-19 game win.

"Our team has three words we go by: want, trust and attitude," said Bronson. "We focused on these three points and hugged a lot."

Lindsey Sweat delivered the ball to the Jefferson front line for 17 assists. Teammate Frances Tanielu earned eight digs while Jenna Bronson delivered seven kills and three stuff blocks.

Selena Dickerson blasted 15 kills and added two blocks for Federal Way. Nadine Liaina centered the ball for 15 assists and also served up two aces.

Thomas Jefferson's 2005 varsity roster includes Emily Seekins, Frances Tanielu, Jenna Bronson, Megan Housman, Melissa Chance, Morgann Green, Jillian Dickson, Lindsey Sweat, Jill Halvorsen, Ariel Holman and Lauren Stark.

Maris Ventura, Kiley Martin, Paulina McKenna, Nichole Snorteland, Gillian Griffin, Salena Dickerson, Covina Dunihoo, Nadine Liaina, Tekina Havili, and Ivanca Frerichs comprise the Federal Way 2005 squad.