Coupeville Sports

Coupeville spikers prepare to take the floor Saturday at the Oak Harbor jamboree. (Charlotte Young photo)

“It was a good first outing, finally playing against someone other than ourselves in scrimmages.”

With the regular-season opener coming up fast, Coupeville High School volleyball coach Cory Whitmore was thrilled to unleash his spikers Saturday at the Oak Harbor jamboree.

Facing a pair of big schools, the small 1A Wolves held their own, sweeping three sets from 4A Cascade and dropping three close sets to their 3A hosts.

“It was a great starting point to learn from, especially in our losses to Oak Harbor,” Whitmore said. “We were much more confident stepping on the court versus Cascade and played loose and ahead of their offense, working within our own identity, while with OH we struggled to play to our strengths and remain on the attack.

“As the morning and afternoon progressed, I was happy to see us make small improvements in various areas that will help us to shape our identity and stay strong to a game-plan,” he added.

“This group expects a lot of themselves and are cohesive, quick-learners – I’m excited to get back to practice for a couple days and then take on Friday Harbor at home.”

Coupeville, which went to the state tourney last season, jumps in to the new North Sound Conference while dealing with the loss of a talented group of seniors.

The Wolves return four varsity players — Emma Smith, Ashley Menges, Scout Smith and Maya Toomey-Stout — while also getting back Hannah Davidson after a brief detour to Cali.

As he meshes newcomers with veterans, Whitmore came away impressed with what the first-time varsity regulars are bringing to the floor.

“Emma Mathusek played very well as our libero,” he said. “She played a combination of relaxed and active and I was very impressed with her as she settled comfortably into her role and will be a fun player to watch.

“Zoe Trujillo was very adaptable today, playing both outside and right side hitter at various points during the day,” Whitmore added. “Chelsea Prescott did a fantastic job in her first venture playing back row at the varsity level.

“She remained poised, learning as the day went on and got more and more aggressive attacking the dig forward. I particularly enjoyed learning that her range of serving varies not only deep but placed short-court as well.”