For the first time since Vashon High School’s inaugural volleyball team took to the court in 1979, the Pirates have won the Nisqually League championship.

The girls are still undefeated in league play after beating a very tough Life Christian team on Monday, Oct. 17, and then winning a match at Orting two days later, which sealed their league victory.

To make the win extra sweet, the team was officially ranked by the state WIAA in the Seattle Times for the first time — the Pirates are currently ranked 10th.

Coach Kara Sears said that this year’s team is strong with 10 seniors. Though they didn’t start the season with a goal of winning the championship, she said they knew it was an option and consistently pushed themselves to work hard.

“They understand it takes one day at a time and one step at a time to reach their goals,” she said.

Sears said she has seen the team improve since last year. For example, at the beginning of last season, their passes were 19 percent perfect. Now, they are at about 60 percent.

“They understand that passing is key to the game,” she said.

Vashon’s last regular season game is tomorrow at 4 p.m., when they will take on Seattle Christian in an away game that won’t affect their league standing.

Since the Pirates are the Nisqually League champions, they will host the first round of district playoffs. Details on date and time will be available as soon as the regular season ends.

— Cheryl Pruett is the mother of a Vashon volleyball player.