Panthers Push Rogers to the Brink, Fall in Five-Set Heartbreaker

Marley Joseph, Lia Predmore, Taylin Beers, Tessa Lee. Photo credit: intensitysportsphotography.com

Bonney Lake’s gym was buzzing Tuesday night as the Panthers hosted the Rogers Rams in a key SPSL 4A matchup that delivered every bit of drama a volleyball fan could want.

The Panthers entered 3–1 overall and 1–1 in league play, sitting sixth in the SPSL. Rogers arrived just behind them at 2–2 overall and 1–1 in league play. On paper, it was a toss-up. On the court, it turned into an electrifying, roller-coaster battle that ended in heartbreak for the home team.

Tessa Rice. Photo credit: intensitysportsphotography.com

Sets One & Two: So Close, Yet Just Short

The opening set was a back-and-forth duel. Marley Joseph and Olivia Uhler both came up with huge blocks as the teams traded points early, battling to 23–23. But late errors and long serves kept the Panthers from closing, and Rogers stole the set 25–23.

The second started rough for Bonney Lake as the Rams built a 10–5 lead, but junior outside hitter Taylin Beers caught fire with a string of kills and a big service run that pulled the Panthers within one. Joseph followed with powerful swings and Tessa Rice added a momentum-shifting block to tie the score at 19. Still, Rogers hung on, again winning 25–23 after a tense 23–23 tie.

Lea Predmore.

Sets Three & Four: Panthers Roar Back

With their backs against the wall, the Panthers stormed back in the third. Joseph opened with a kill and fueled an early run, while libero Tessa Lee kept the ball alive with precision passing. Then Lia Predmore went on a scorching seven-point serving streak, including three aces, to push Bonney Lake up 16–9. Joseph stayed hot with kills and a closing block as the Panthers took it 25–15.

The fourth set started with another statement block and kill from Uhler before Predmore caught fire again behind the service line. Bonney Lake built a 12–4 cushion and never looked back. Beers added thunderous swings and a pair of blocks as the Panthers rolled 25–14, forcing a deciding fifth set.

Taylin Beers.

Set Five: An Ending That Stung

With momentum firmly on their side, the Panthers raced to a 9–6 lead in the final frame and later reached match point up 14–10 behind another big kill from senior Jada Shipp. But the Rams refused to fold. Rogers fought off four match points, tied it at 14–14, and outlasted Bonney Lake 18–16 in a crushing finish for the home crowd.

Standouts & Takeaways

Joseph led the night with 18 kills and 6 blocks, while Beers added 12 kills. Predmore was outstanding with 30 assists and multiple game-changing service runs. Lee anchored the defense with 28 digs, keeping the Panthers alive in countless rallies.

Despite the loss, Bonney Lake showed resilience, depth, and a relentless fight that had the home fans on their feet. If the Panthers can turn tight sets into finishes, they’ll be a dangerous team in the SPSL 4A race.

Next up: Bonney Lake travels to Graham-Kapowsin on Thursday, October 2.