Kingston’s volleyball team tested itself against much-larger South Kitsap in its season opener Sept. 6 after losing several key members from last season.

“We are coming off a year where we lost about 90 percent of our offense from last year,” said coach Christopher Eaton, whose squad lost three sets to one.

The Buccaneers started strong, winning the first set 25-18. But they lost the next three 22-25, 19-25 and 20-25.

“South Kitsap was a great measuring stick for us to see how we stack up against a school with endless athletes and if we can play with them,” Eaton said. “We kept every set close, knocked them off balance, knocked them out of their system a ton. We never doubted for a second that we didn’t have a shot.”

Although the Bucs came into the season with questions around the offense, outside hitter Grace Mosco stepped up for the squad.

“Grace was the stabilizing force for us all night,” Eaton said. “She was engaged and focused as a leader, and her passion was on throughout. She has a really nice swing and finds great spots on the floor to put the ball away. She did that all night to the point we tried to rely on her pretty heavily by the end of the night.”

Kingston setters Sophia Call and Brooke Steele helped facilitate the offense, allowing Eaton to see who can work alongside Mosco as an offensive weapon.

“Our two setters distributed the ball really well as we tested the other team’s defense,” Eaton said. “They did a good job of keeping the other team guessing. I’m pushing them to see who our next weapons are because we are finding out who the weapons are.”

Despite falling short, Eaton had some questions answered about his squad. “I’m looking forward to seeing the growth continue as the team continues to gel. They are very hungry, and I’m excited to see their ability to play with bigger schools later down the road.”

South Kitsap defeated Kingston 3-1 in the 2022 season opener.

Middle blocker Taizah Franklin leaves Kingston’s huddle as she prepares to take the court.