Yelm High School’s volleyball program was looking to build momentum early in the 2024 season and accomplished such by picking up victories in non-conference action against Stadium and WF West to begin its season.
The Tornados swept Stadium, 3-0, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, in Tacoma, and defeated WF West, 3-0, at home on Thursday, Sept. 12. Yelm also attended the Fort Vancouver tournament and went 4-0 en route to a tournament victory on Saturday, Sept. 14.
Second-year Tornados head coach Heidi DeFord highlighted several Yelm athletes who played big roles in the team’s victories throughout the first week of the season.
“Layah Hicks has anchored our defense. She had 22 digs against Stadium and 11 against WF West,” DeFord said. “Lilly Grant has anchored the offense as she had nine kills against Stadium and 10 against WF West. Ellie Sloan is running our offense as the setter. She’s been doing great.”
DeFord said seven total teams attended the Fort Vancouver Tournament, including four from Oregon and three from Washington. The pool of teams included Fort Vancouver, Hillsboro, Willamette, Eatonville, Mollala and Reynolds.
“There were a lot of good moments [during the tournament]. We honestly played super solid all day, and we served a lot of the teams off the court. They definitely struggled to pass us,” DeFord said. “We won four games and didn’t drop a set all day.”
Prior to picking up a tournament victory at Fort Vancouver, the team swept Stadium in three sets against a familiar face, as former Tornados head coach Molly O’Hagan now coaches the Tigers.
“It’s been a very good week for Yelm volleyball,” DeFord added, referencing the team’s hot start. “I think the opener was a fun battle. We definitely had some nerves to start the game, but battled back to win that first one 26-24. That second set, we were actually down 21-12 at one point but came back to win 28-26. This team does not give up. They never give up. It’s amazing.”
Also sweeping WF West in three sets, DeFord said her team is building confidence on the court. She said seeing the team’s athletes play confidently and joyously has been “amazing to see,” especially after a “rough season” in 2023.
“My four returners play with a lot of joy, and the rest of the team does, too. Yesterday, they were having fun, and, as their coach, it’s fun for me to see them enjoy it so much,” DeFord said. “Whether they’re on the court or on the bench, they’re all constantly involved and cheering. They’re happy for each other. It’s 100% a team. A good camaraderie sets the level of play up for sure.”
The Tornados will have a break in competition this week, but will remain competitive and technical throughout practice. The team will return to the court at home at 7:15 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, against Emerald Ridge. Following the contest, Yelm will hit the road and play Graham-Kapowsin on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
“We’re definitely playing harder than last year, and it will be nice to see where we’re standing,” DeFord said. “I know that both Emerald Ridge and Graham-Kapowsin will be strong teams, but I’m excited to see how those games push my girls.”
