9/23/2026
Curtis 3, Bonney Lake 0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-18)
(University Place, WA) The Curtis Vikings came in with plenty of swag. The Vikings began as the #2 RPI team in the state and came off a State 2nd-place finish, losing to Lake Stevens last November 3-2. The Vikings were State Champs the year before, in 2024. Curtis has played in 6 State Championship matches and won 2 of them. All those appearances since 2009.
Bonney Lake’s history was as opposite as possible, with just one State appearance back in 2012 when they played in the 3A ranks and no state placings. But the Panthers have reason for optimism coming into this match: 4-1 and a win over Olympia.
1st Set
The first set of the game was a clue into how the rest of the match would play out. Curtis would go on a three-run stretch early with help from Tala Johnson, who had an ace in that time, as well as Isabella Rico with a block. A few plays later, Bonney Lake would go on a small run of their own and tie the set 6-6 with kills from Marley Joseph and Taylin Beers. While those two were racking up points, the defense for Bonney Lake held strong with Libero Tessa Lee leading the charge. She made save after save from the ground, one handed, diving, etc.
Curtis’s offense started to take over though when they had the 11-9 lead. They would incrementally score two points to Bonney Lakes one and started to pull away. Mia Nelson and Kayla Baker were a large portion why as they began to punish the ball as the set went on. Curtis would go on a final stretch of three straight points including an ace from and kill Kayla Baker that would help them win the set 26-16.
2nd Set
Bonney Lake did not waver even though they were down to start the second set. Once again, the defense was strong and began to figure out and handle the power of the Vikings on the other end. The Panthers would start off hot with three straight kills from Olivia Uhler, Kamryn Davisson, and Marley Joseph. Both teams would exchange points back and forth as it turned into more of a defensive match between the two. The liberos held down the fort for their squads. Tessa Lee for Bonney Lake and Presley Messersmith for Curtis. Kathryn Harris also had a hand in the impressive Viking defense, making spectacular saves throughout the set.
Curtis would be down 13-12 but would score five straight points that turned the set around. Once again, Mia Nelson, Kayla Baker, and Isabella Rico came through and gave the Vikings a four-point lead. Bonney Lake would not go away, though, and would score three straight themselves to bring the game within two, 21-19. Another run from Curtis, though, ended the set as Tala Johnson put the finishing touches on it. Curtis would win set two 25-19.
3rd Set
The third set was no different than the first two as Bonney Lake kept it competitive until the end. Unfortunately, they now had to play catch-up to one of the best teams in the classification, if not the state. Curtis got off to a great start, taking an ace from Kayla Baker and back-to-back kills from Mia Nelson. They led 8-4 and maintained a four-point lead for a majority of the rest of the game.
Bonney Lake would not go down, though, as Taylin Beers, Marley Joseph, and Tessa Rice continued to produce on offense, and Tessa Lee kept things alive on defense. Towards the end of the set, the Panthers looked to make one last push and brought the game within four points again with a kill from Taylin Beers. Curtis, though, rallied off the last three points needed to win the set and took home the win to remain undefeated at 7-1. Bonney Lake, despite the loss, was very competitive with a team that has been to the state championship the last two years in a row and is still at the top of the heap of the 4A classification.
Sumner Holiday Inn Express MVP
The Sumner Holiday Inn Express MVP of the game went to Mia Nelson, as she was a driving force in the Curtis offense all game and was seemingly unstoppable at times. Not only did she score almost every time she hit the ball, but she got it done on defense and from the serving line as well.
What’s Next?
Curtis will face South Kitsap on the road on Tuesday, September 29th with a 7:00 pm start time. Bonney Lake will face Spanaway Lake at home on Tuesday, September 29th with a 7:00 pm start time.
Watch the full match replay on the NFHS Network (subscription required)
West 42 Sports Postgame Show
Match Highlights
Kayla Baker with an Ace and Kill Back-to-Back
Tessa Lee with the Defensive Save Leads to Points for Bonney Lake
Isabella Rico Finishes the Amazing Rally
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