Washington Academy volleyball beats York in Class B semifinals
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Washington Academy’s Elin Olivares celebrates a point against York. (Libby Kamrowski Kenny/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image
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LEWISTON — Washington Academy’s volleyball team has played in enough semifinal and championship matches over the last few years to be more than prepared to execute when it matters most.
And after dropping the first set against York in a Class B semifinal match Wednesday, that’s exactly what it did. The Raiders (15-1) took the next three sets to defeat the Wildcats 3-1, clinching their third straight trip to the state final.
“Right in that huddle, (coach Kalyn Stevens) said, ‘this is amazing but we’re not done. That (win) means nothing because we’re going for the big Gold Ball,’” Jaylyn Warren said.
HOW IT HAPPENED
All four sets were competitive, as expected in a match between teams ranked No. 2 and No. 7, respectively, in the latest Varsity Maine volleyball poll. Washington Academy’s ability to close out sets, however, proved the difference.
After taking the first set 25-22, York (11-5) appeared ready to knock off the Raiders, but momentum quickly shifted. Washington Academy won the second set 25-16, then never looked back.
The Raiders took the third set 25-20 and the fourth 25-18 to close out the match.
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UNSUNG HERO
Washington Academy’s Riley Shimabukuro had a couple late aces that helped the Raiders prevail in the fourth set. The sophomore finished with five aces.
HEARD IT HERE
• “It’s super exciting. I think this program is really special and so it’s just exciting to be a part of it. I’m really looking forward to (the state championship).” — Washington Academy coach Kalyn Stevens
• “We came out super strong and super motivated. I think the second, third and fourth games for York, we just made more errors on our side than we wanted to. But I’m super proud of these girls. They worked so hard.” — York coach Deanna Martin
STATISTICAL LEADERS
• Washington Academy: Aubrey Faulkingham (16 kills, 11 digs), Jaylyn Warren (nine kills, three aces), Riley Shimabukuro (five aces, 12 digs)
• York: Sophie Coite (two aces)
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Tagged: washington raiders, york wildcats
Jimmy covers sports for the Sun Journal, primarily contributing to the Varsity Maine team. He is from Hagerstown, Maryland, and graduated from the University of Richmond in May of 2025 with a B.A. in journalism. More by Jimmy James
