Prep volleyball Royals drop season opener to Panthers

The Lynnwood Royals volleyball team lost their season opener 3-1 to the Snohomish Panthers on September 8, marking the beginning of a new era under head coach Surina Soumpholphakdy. Soumpholphakdy, a 2021 Lynnwood graduate, took over from long-time coach Annalise Mudaliar, who led the team to multiple championships. Despite holding leads in the first two sets, the Royals struggled to close out the match. Audrey Williams led the team with 15 kills, demonstrating her key role in the lineup. Soumpholphakdy expressed pride in her team's effort, highlighting their resilience in a challenging first match.

Her coaching philosophy focuses on developing players' character alongside their athletic skills. The Royals face a tough schedule ahead, including a match against the Everett Seagulls on September 11. Mudaliar remains involved, providing guidance to Soumpholphakdy during this transition period.