9/30/2026
Central Kitsap 3, North Thurston 1 (25-19, 18-25, 25-17, 25-15)
(Lacey, WA) The defending state champions and undefeated North Thurston Rams came into the game continuing to dominate as they did last year. They were 6-0 of the season and coming off a win over Bellarmine. They remained tied for the top of the PSL with Timberline and were ranked #9 in the 3A RPI. Central Kitsap came into the game 4-2 on the year but their losses were against two of the best teams in the state: Timberline and Curtis. They were ranked #13th in the RPI and placed 6th last year at state. North Thurston also defeated Central Kitsap in the second round of the state tournament last season and ended their championship aspirations. Revenge was on the mind for the Cougars while the Rams looked to stay undefeated.
1st Set
Central Kitsap started off strong and got out to an early lead on North Thurston. Sydney Lingenbrink and Silei Pasi got early kills while Libero Liah Lauifi held down the defensive side of things. North Thurston was staying within range with great play from Abigail Losey and Kaelani Adams on the front lines. The two teams exchanged points for a while bit ever so slightly, Central Kitsap began to pull away. Their defense became impenetrable while their offense was firing on all cylinders. North Thurston strung together a few nice runs of points while down eight at one point but the damage had been done by the Cougars. A kill from Silei Pasi would end the set and Central Kitsap would take it 25-19
2nd Set
The second set was very similar to the first set but reversed. This time it was North Thurston who came out dominating early and managed to maintain a good lead. Adams and Losey continued to rack up points while Jaeda Cruz was great defensively. Another big part of the Rams’ success was Ava Almonte, who denied kill after kill with her blocks. North Thurston was dialed in, and while Central Kitsap was responding well at times, North Thurston was scoring two points to every one point for the Cougars. It became a battle towards the end, but North Thurston had done enough to take the set 25-18.
3rd/4th Set
Central Kitsap returned to their set one success by getting out to early leads in the next two sets. Manaia Pasi, Silei Pasi, and Sydney Lingenbrink all collected kill after kill throughout the sets and attacked the ball with fury. While the front line went to work, Liah Fauifi, Ellie Smith, and Penelope Holyoak controlled the defense, which made save after save. North Thurston, though, was still extremely competitive throughout these sets and showed that they are once again one of the top teams in the state.
Abigail Losey, Ava Almonte, and Kaelani Adams continued to have great offensive games, and Jaeda Cruz, Jazlyn Strachan, and Maya Jaenicke held down the fort on defense. Madison Abrahamson also came in and delivered from the serving line when called upon. It was a battle between the two schools all night, but momentum went to the side of Central Kitsap, and they rode that wave until the end of both sets. They had hit a flow state where everything they were doing was going their way. Including a kicked ball that saved and won them a possession from Sydney Lingenbrink.
They did everything they needed to secure the sets, come away with the biggest win of the year so far, and get some revenge for last year’s state tournament. Central Kitsap would win set three 25-17 and set four 25-15, taking home the win 3-1 over the defending state champions.
Sumner Holiday Inn Express MVP of the Game
The Sumner Holiday Inn Express MVP of the game went to Sydney Lingenbrink, who was unstoppable on offense for the Cougars. There were many to name who could have easily had the MVP, but the impact that Lingenbrink brought on the court was substantial. She led Central Kitsap on and off the court, and her play spoke for itself. It didn’t seem like anyone could stop her when she got a chance to kill, and she got plenty. From kills to blocks to serving, she did it all, and in the biggest moments of the game. A massive difference maker who helped secure the biggest win of the season for her team.
What’s Next?
North Thurston will face Peninsula High School on the road on Thursday, October 1st, with a 7:15 start time. Central Kitsap will face Ridgeline on the road on Friday, October 2nd, with a 4:00 start time.
Stats
Central Kitsap:
- Sydney Lingenbrink – 17 Kills, 4 Blocks
- Silei Pasi – 11 Kills, 1 Ace
- Manaia Pasi – 7 Kills
North Thurston:
- Abigail Losey – 8 Kills
- Kaelani Adams – 9 Kills
- Ava Almonte – 5 Blocks, 2 Kills
Link to watch full game replay on the NFHS Network (subscription required)
West 42 Sports Postgame Show
Video Highlights
Silei Pasi Wins Set One for Central Kitsap
Great Rally Ending with Manaia Pasi Kill
Three Straight Points for North Thurston and Block for Ava Almonte
Liah Lauifi Great Defense Earns Central Kitsap Point
Sydney Lingenbrink Keeps Things Alive with her Foot
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