Columbus East High School

Olympians Battle in Season Opener Against Bloomington North The Columbus East volleyball team opened its regular season Tuesday night in the Orange Pit, taking on Bloomington North. The Olympians competed hard but came up short in four sets, 25-23, 24-26, 25-14, 25-19. East started strong, building a 21-16 lead in the opening set before Bloomington North rallied late to claim the frame. The Olympians answered in the second, erasing a 24-20 deficit with six straight points to even the match. The momentum shifted in the third set as the Cougars raced to a 7-1 lead and kept control throughout. In the fourth, East trailed just 16-15 before another Bloomington North run sealed the match. Several Olympians delivered notable performances in the opener. Krea Martin recorded 18 digs and two aces, while Addy Dean tallied seven kills and 10 blocks. Lilah Klei added 14 blocks, and both Izzy Rice and Anika Jenkins finished with six kills apiece. In the setting role, Kenlee Gault handed out 12 assists and Payten Osborn contributed nine. The Olympians now turn their attention to Thursday night when they host another match in the Orange Pit as they face Franklin Community High School. The JV match against the Grizzly Cubs starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by the varsity match. Good luck O's!