{
  "id": 8071269,
  "title": "Prep volleyball: T-Birds finding positives amidst winless start to season",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/prep-volleyball-t-birds-finding-positives-amidst-winless-start-to",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T18:19:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/prep-volleyball-t-birds-finding-181900495.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Tumwater High School volleyball team, the Thunderbirds, have started their 2026 season with a challenging non-league schedule, facing strong opponents in Class 4A, 1A, and 3A. Their opening game against the Graham-Kapowsin Eagles ended in a 0-3 loss, marking the team's first loss of the season. Head coach Kennedy Croft aimed for a tough schedule, but the team's performance, especially in serve receive, has been inconsistent. The Thunderbirds struggled in the third set, allowing G-K to secure a 25-14, 25-21, 25-20 victory. Despite the loss, Croft remains optimistic, noting moments of greatness and flashes of talent within the team. Freshman Audrey Overbay has stepped into a leadership role as the new setter, and senior Sydney Wilson has been a bright spot with her kills and tipped blocks. The team hopes to improve their consistency and focus on playing high-level volleyball as they prepare for league play against W.F. West.",
  "summary": "Sep. 17—BOX SCORE At Tumwater HS EAGLES 3, THUNDERBIRDS 0 Graham-K.25 25 25 — 3 Tumwater 14 21 20 — 0 TUMWATER — Not all schedules are created equal. Thus not all records in September can be viewed in the same scope. Exhibit A: The Tumwater High School volleyball team. When their non-league slate was unveiled and four Class 4A programs were on the docket, plus a consistent deep state ...",
  "key_points": [
    "T-Birds begin season with 0-3 loss to Graham-Kapowsin.",
    "Coach Kennedy Croft opted for challenging non-league opponents.",
    "Freshman Audrey Overbay leads as new setter."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}