9/25/2026
Emerald Ridge 3, Issaquah 1 (26-24, 25-22, 18-25, 25-22)
(Puyallup,WA) Two of the top ten teams in the 4A RPI clashed in a rematch of the opening round of the state tournament last season. Issaquah came into the game undefeated at 7-0 against tough competition and was ranked #3 in the RPI. Emerald Ridge, on the other hand, was ranked #9 and was 6-1 coming into the game, with their only loss being a five-set barn burner with Curtis High School (ranked #2 in RPI). The game was back and forth until the end, and each team showed why they are two of the best in the state.
1st Set
The first set looked like it was going to be all Issaquah to start. They caught a rhythm early with great offense on the front line from Bryn Walcott and Molly Yoshino. The Eagles would go on a six-point run with Yoshino at the serving line as Walcott delivered back-to-back kills in that time. While the front line went to work on offense, Jorja Bone and Libero Casey Kot held down the fort on defense. Emerald Ridge would find themselves down 10-6 and took a timeout.
Whatever was said during that timeout for the Jaguars worked because they came out swinging. Issaquah kept a manageable lead until towards the end of the set. Olivia Puttler would find herself at the serving line for E.R in which she would get an ace followed by a kill from Korbyn Hansen and a block from Nevaeh Thomas. This led to seven straight points being scored for the Jaguars and they would bring the game within one, 23-22, with Issaquah barely in the lead. Then E.R. added another two points after a kill from Peyton Frederick to give them the lead. Issaquah would tie it up 24-24 and force a win-by-two scenario. Emerald Ridge got the two points quickly after a kill from Nevaeh Thomas and took set one 26-24.
2nd Set
The second set stayed close until the end. The front lines of both teams traded kills and blocks, while the defense kept rallies going and set up their scorers for success. Tee Haizlip started to produce on offense for E.R. both on offense and defense throughout the set. One of the standout players was Naveah Thomas, as she continued to dominate and secure multiple back-to-back kills that kept the Jaguars ahead.
Issaquah was always right there, though, with Bryn Walcott and Molly Yoshino doing great work up front, as well as Ruby Grant. The lead for Emerald Ridge never got above three until the end as the two schools refused to let one another pull away. Once again, the set finished with a kill from Nevaeh Thomas, and the Jaguars would win set two 25-22 and take a 2-0 set lead.
3rd Set
The third set was similar to the first in that Issaquah started to dominate early. They got up to an early four-point lead after kills from Bryn Walcott and Sonya Mavu. From there, both teams started to even out again and exchange, but Issaquah would not let E.R. get within a safe distance to even things up. Walcott would not be denied at the net, and while the defense was holding strong enough for Emerald Ridge with Olivia Puttler and Kaitlynn Matthiesen keeping things alive, Issaquah was not to be denied in this set. They would go on to win 25-18 and force a fourth set as they looked to keep their undefeated streak alive.
4th Set
The fourth set was somehow even more competitive than the first three, which is saying a lot as both squads were neck and neck throughout the night. Issaquah would go on a six-point run early, led by kills from Molly Yoshino and Shaelyn Erickson. It seemed again like Issaquah was doing enough to pull away, but Emerald Ridge responded with a five-point stretch of their own with two kills from Korbyn Hansen and one from Nevaeh Thomas.
Back and forth the teams went once again as neither team could get the upper hand. Olivia Henderson for Emerald Ridge came through with a couple of clutch blocks as well as clutch kills from Peyton Frederick, and with the home crowd on their side, momentum started to shift to the side of the Jaguars. Issaquah was right there with them thoug and with every point E.R. scored, they would respond right back and tie things up. It all came down to the final points with E.R. in the lead 23-22. A kill from Korbyn Hansen and a block by Olivia Henderson sealed the deal as the Jaguars would win set four 25-22 and take home the win.
Sumner Holiday Inn Express MVP
The Sumner Holiday Inn Express MVP of the game went to Peyton Frederick, who was a machine on offense while also holding down the fort on defense with many saves throughout the game. There were so many names in this game that could have gotten the MVP, and it was a tough race, but when Frederick got a chance, she would almost always make it count, and her presence on the court was a big part of why Emerald Ridge walked out with their biggest win of the year.
What’s Next?
Issaquah will face Woodinville High School on the road on Monday, September 28th, with a 7:00 pm start time. Emerald Ridge will face Bethel High School on the road on Tuesday, September 29th, with a 7:00 pm start time.
Stats of Note
Issaquah:
- Bryn Walcott – 19 Kills
- Molly Yoshino – 8 Kills, 1 Ace
Emerald Ridge:
- Peyton Frederick – 11 Kills
- Korbyn Hansen – 11 Kills
- Olivia Henderson – 6 Kills, 3 Blocks
- Nevaeh Thomas – 11 Kills, 3 Blocks
Watch the full replay of this match on the NFHS Network (subscription required)
West 42 Sports Postgame Show
Match Highlights
Korbyn Hansen and Olivia Henderson Win it for Emerald Ridge
Molly Yoshino Ace Followed by Bryn Walcott Kill
Peyton Frederick Takes Lead for E.R. in Set One
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