When the Vashon varsity volleyball team began the season, they weren’t sure what to expect. Many of last year’s varsity players graduated, and the Nisqually League is now expanded, meaning tougher competition.

The team got off to a good start, however, as the girls began their season on the second day of school, Sept. 5, with a strong 3-1 win at Eatonville.

The next night at home, although the games were close, Vashon lost the match to Bellevue Christian. Vashon had another strong 3-1 win the next week at home against Highline, followed two nights later by a loss at home to Cascade Christian.

The next week, an away match at Chimacum brought a 3-2 victory for the Pirates.

Vashon’s most recent match, at Seattle Christian last Wendesday, was neck-to-neck throughout but ended with a 2-3 loss after a tie-breaking fifth game.

On Monday after press deadline Vashon, with a record of 3-3, played at Life Christian. Today’s they will play Charles Wright.

The JV volleyball team has won two matches, and has had several close games, showing marked improvement as the season progresses.

— Jill Mulvihill is the mother of a Vashon volleyball player.