POULSBO — Mid-way through North Kitsap’s volleyball season, the Vikings were sub .500, near the bottom of the Narrows’ Bridge Division barrel and looking for answers as to why their talented team couldn’t seem to play to its potential.

Apparently, they found those answers — and more — with the team pulling off an impressive about-face and surging up the standings to finish above .500 in league.

It should then come as no surprise that several Vikings were included among the All-Kitsap team, as voted by the sports writers of the Kitsap News Group.

As far as the team is concerned, North’s first-year coach Tim French said that tweaking the defense at the half-way point in the season — adding an additional back-court player to help with digs — could have made the difference.

“Defensively things clicked,” French said of the change. “We were able to stay in rallies longer. That was a key.”

French added that he was proud of the way the girls adjusted to his coaching style during his first year. He said his highlights of the season were beating South Kitsap at home and in two team tournaments in Bremerton and Bellevue where he said the girls showed true grit in competing in many back-to-back matches.

“They played so hard all day long,” French said, citing the Bellevue tournament in which North lost its first two games but won the next four to win the consolation bracket.

When league play had ended, the Vikings had finished with a 4-3 record in league and looking to get into the district playoffs. A win over Olympia would have secured the team’s spot but the squad couldn’t cage the Bears.

“We were building momentum during the season but I guess we’ll have to work on carrying that (momentum) through into the playoffs next year,” French said.

All-Kitsap team

Lindsey Fryer, Central Kitsap: Fryer dominated the Narrows League and beyond, posting strong numbers at the district tourney as well. The senior recorded 387 kills, 336 digs, 69 blocks and 51 aces and is the Cougars all-time leader in kills (1004) and digs (936).

Jennifer Buckner, North Kitsap: The Vikings’ top hitter enjoyed a stellar senior season, racking up 231 kills and added another 173 digs. Coach French said Buckner’s strength lay not only in her abilities but also the leadership role she played in pacing the team.

“Jennifer had the ability to dominate a match,” he said. “When she was on, the team was on.”

Kearney Bangs, North Kitsap: NK’s setter did what all good setters do — provide the key transition between the dig and the kill. And Bangs could be depended on in any situation, coach French said, racking up 372 assists.

“She was invaluable to us,” French said. “We could count on Kearney to make plays where it didn’t seem like there was anything there.”

Alli Weisbarth, Central Kitsap: Weisbarth was the passing force behind Fryer’s MVP seasons, setting the ball with a consistency seldom matched by other setters. She ended the year with 699 assists, 169 digs and 44 aces and trailed only Fryer in service aces.

Crystal Bitz, South Kitsap: The spark-plug that made first-year coach Jessica Anderson’s team go. The senior setter led the team in assists and digs and would do anything to get to a ball.

Shannon Sumner, Central Kitsap: The two in CK’s 1-2 punch, Sumner showed enough skill to lessen the pressure of filling Fryer’s shoes, finishing second to Fryer in digs (314) and third in kills (123). A fiery competitor, she is one of the most focused, determined players on the court.

Ana Hurley, Central Kitsap: Hurley was another stable competitor throughout the season for CK. She was second in kills (133) and third in digs (256). Her combination of timely offense and great defense, not to mention her outstanding jumping ability, helped CK in many situations this season.

Coach of the year: Gordy Bushaw, Central Kitsap. Bushaw led the Cougars to a Narrows League title, going undefeated in league play. Granted, he had the league’s best weapon in Lindsey Fryer, but evidence of his coaching and expertise can be seen in any of the team’s young contributors. His mental preparation for the team led CK to some of its biggest wins.

Honorable Mentions

Heidi Franklin, Olympic: Franklin stood out as one of Olympic’s best volleyball talents. The big outside hitter was the Trojans’ key offensive weapon with an .820 hitting percentage, 67 blocks and 18 aces.

Lauren Romero, North Kitsap: As North’s libero, Romero laid out on the hardwood more times than any other Viking for 341 total digs. The team depended on her to keep it in the game versus teams with powerful hitters.

Vangie Robbins, Central Kitsap: Robbins was one of the defensive keys to CKs season. Her tremendous, timely blocking saved CK many a point. She had 90 assists and 25 blocks.

Joyce Vaiaga’e, South Kitsap: Led the team in blocks and kills as an outside hitter. Will be counted on to lead a young team next year.

Molly McCluskey, North Kitsap: McCluskey put up 162 digs and 74 kills on the season, though it may have been her intangible stats that made the biggest difference for the Vikings this year — coach French hailed McCluskey as the team’s leader on and off the court.

Heather Gibson, South Kitsap: The senior outside hitter played a huge role in the team made the transition to a new coach.

Andrea Milovich, Klahowya: One of the brightest spots on Klahowya’s season, the freshman should only get better for the Eagles. She developed as a top scoring threat, and her 47 aces were among area leaders.

Brianne Gregory, Bremerton: Paced the Knights with 71 blocks and 31 aces.