Panthers Sweep Yelm on Senior Night, Capping Season with Dominant Win
- The Insider
- Oct 23
- 2 min read
The Bonney Lake Panthers closed out their home schedule in style Wednesday night, sweeping the Yelm Tornados 3–0 in front of a loud and energized crowd that came to celebrate Senior Night.
Coming into the match, Bonney Lake held a 2–7 league record, just shy of the playoff cutoff, while Yelm entered at 1–8. Though neither team would advance to districts, the Panthers played with purpose, honoring their two seniors, Jada Shipp and Ella Szarko, with one of their most complete performances of the season.
Set One: A Spark from the Start
Senior Ella Szarko opened the night at the service line and immediately set the tone, firing off an 8–0 run that electrified the gym. From that moment, the Panthers looked locked in, aggressive at the net, confident on serve, and crisp in their passing. Points were spread evenly across the lineup as Bonney Lake cruised to a 25–15 win, sealed by a thunderous kill from Marley Joseph.
Set Two: Predmore Takes Over
The Panthers picked up right where they left off. Junior Lia Predmore started the second set and delivered an 11–0 serving run that stunned the Tornados. Predmore would finish the night with a team-high seven aces, setting the tone for the match.
After Yelm clawed back to 14–7, Taylin Beers reignited the crowd with a powerful kill that restored momentum. Bonney Lake’s offense kept rolling behind solid teamwork, capped by a sharp-angled winner from Tessa Rice to finish the set 25–19.
Set Three: Finishing Strong
Yelm came out with more fire in the third, forcing tighter rallies early, but the Panthers stayed composed. Tessa Lee anchored the defense with quick digs while Joseph and Shipp dominated at the net. Up 20–14, Bonney Lake looked poised to close it out, though Yelm rallied late to cut it to 24–20. Then Beers slammed home one final kill to end the match and secure the sweep, 25–20.
Closing Out the Season
For head coach Eva Millan, this first season at the helm has been about building foundation and culture. Despite falling just short of a postseason berth, her squad, featuring six juniors, showed consistent growth, grit, and team chemistry that bodes well for next year.
Stat Leaders:
Kills: Joseph 8, Shipp 7, Beers 5
Digs: Lee 12, Beers 5
Assists: Predmore 17
Blocks: Joseph 3
The Panthers wrap up their 2025 season on the road at Puyallup on October 28th, carrying momentum, and plenty of optimism, into next year.
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