The Puyallup Vikings (5-1) volleyball team met the Todd Beamer Titans (3-2) in a conference match held at TBHS last Wednesday, Sept. 23. The match featured young talent on both sides of the net.

Sophomore heavy hitter, 6-4 Megan Stumpf, the outside hitter and middle blocker for the Titans, found her role that night being primarily in the middle of the net. She faced the onslaught of attacks from a dominant Viking team. Senior hitter, Alex Lavorato, and sophomore sensation, Allie Schumacher, were relentless. Puyallup finished the match with three straight wins (25-15, 25-8, 25-12).

Puyallup ead coach Tony Batinovich, in his 23rd year, feels he has another strong team. “Success gives purpose. We are young in spots, but with good senior leadership skill prevails,” says coach Batinovich.

His team was very quick and the Beamer Titans had a hard time finding open spots. Viking setter, Ariel Fralick, was a main reason for this.
“Dig or die,” she responds. “We are not just one person. We trust the coach and work together. It’s a team,” she adds. Fralick had 28 assists which fed Lavorato and Schumacher for six kills each.

Beamer did not roll over and die. Head coach for the Titans, Bliss Carlson, once played for and assisted coach Batinovich. She knows the strong program that Puyallup has and has those same expectations for her athletes.

“Our goal is to finish in the top five and make it to the playoffs. Our girls have had some adversity this week and we have to work through that,” Carlson shares at the end of the match. “We work hard on defense and we were just not in game mode tonight.”

Megan Stumpf stands out as her 6-4 frame towers above her teammates. Add to that, the constant encouragement and quickness of their junior setter, Summer Jex, the potential is great. Summer was the motivator and everywhere with acrobatic dives all over the court.

The Titans made a valiant effort against the strong Puyallup team with tradition that gave them the eighth spot at the state playoffs last year.

Puyallup’s next opponent is Graham-Kapowsin, a team coach Batinovich feels is one of the best and has everyone back. Beamer will take on the Bethel Braves next Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. in Spanaway.