Coupeville Sports

Tiffany Briscoe unleashes a serve. (John Fisken photo)

They know how to stage a rally, that’s for sure.

Making visiting Lakewood fight for every point, the Coupeville High School JV volleyball squad got stronger as the match went on Tuesday. And while they eventually fell in three sets, the young Wolves gave coach Amy King a glimpse of good things to come.

The 25-12, 25-11, 26-24 loss dropped the JV squad to 1-2 on the season, matching the Wolf varsity.

Some early sluggishness cost Coupeville, but the Wolves were consistent in one aspect — serving — the entire evening.

Valen Trujillo continued her torrid output at the stripe, knocking in seven winners, one by ace, while Miranda Engle converted five, including her own ace.

At the net, Monica Vidoni swung the Fist O’ Death, powering home three kills. Khanei Williams brought her bench to its feet with an impressive block late in the third set.

It was a strong team-wide effort, King said, topped by McKenzie Bailey, who “played a well-rounded game, with a lot of good back row ups as well as a diving save in the first game.”

“Emily Coulter stepped in and did a great job,” King said. “Everyone contributed – Jae (LeVine) played back row and was very consistent, Tiffany (Briscoe) controlled her hits and serves much better than she has the past few games.”

“Miranda, Monica, Tiffany and Khanei played the net well, Lauren (Grove) and Merle (Fitzenhagen) got their hand on the ball several times and both Valen and McKenzie did a great job all-around,” she added. “It would have been nice to pull out that third game win, but I was happy with our play and am seeing improvements. We will get there.”