Coupeville Sports

   Maddy Hilkey (5) and Ashley Menges stepped up Saturday and saw playing time with the Wolf varsity spikers. (John Fisken photo)

   Payton Aparicio (left) and Hope Lodell give captain Valen Trujillo a boost. (Lauren Rose photo)

Leaps and bounds.

Showing improvement every day, a very young Coupeville High School volleyball squad continues to rise, and Saturday was another triumph.

Playing at the 16-team South Whidbey Invitational, the Wolves claimed second in their bracket.

Coupeville swept two sets from Orcas Island, a school they will face Sept. 25 at home, and split sets with Port Angeles.

The small-school Wolves also fared well against the bigger teams in the tourney, which included 2A and 3A schools.

“They did great!,” said CHS coach Breanne Smedley. “The team is really starting to come together and realizing their potential on the court.

“We are still learning from the ups and downs associated with being a young team,” she added. “Our goal has been to increase our mental toughness to play “our game” from start to finish.”

Along with the normal varsity lineup, three JV players got the call-up to pad the roster and all made an impression on their coach.

“Our freshman floaters — Maddy Hilkey, Ashley  Menges and Sarah Wright — did an amazing job of stepping in when we needed them,” Smedley said.

“Each time we play, I can tell that all the girls have a desire to keep improving and pushing their limits, which makes it extremely fun and rewarding to coach!,” she added. “Overall, a great day!!”