Kennedy's Ellie Cantu had 21 assists against Santiam. (Photo by Andre Panse)

Kennedy's volleyball team improved its record to 3-0 with three-set win at Santiam on Tuesday.

The Trojans, voted No. 1 in the OSAAtoday 2A preseason coaches poll, have won nine of their 10 sets this season.

"It was flattering to be voted No. 1 in the preseason poll," said Kennedy coach Laura Beyer, who returns seven players from last year's team. "But it's not what I'm focused on. You have to get out there every day and work hard."

Junior Sophia Carley had 14 kills and five aces in the match. Sophomore libero Hailey Arritola led the team with 16 serve-receive passes and eight digs.

"She's the quarterback of our defense," Beyer said. "She is the best defensive player I have worked with in my 20-plus years of coaching. I expect a lot of college coaches will be contacting her."

Hallie Sprauer had 10 kills, Ellie Cantu had 21 assists and Kelsey Kleinschmit added three aces for the Trojans against Santiam (1-2).

"This team is extremly hard-working," said Beyer, who has won five Tri-River Conference titles at Kennedy. "They have all the qualities that will make for a very successful season. Whatever the outcome, I couldn't ask for anything more from a team. They are first-class athletes."