Coupeville Sports

Haylee Armstrong and friends are two matches into a new season. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

Growth, every day.

That’s the goal for Coupeville Middle School volleyball coaches Cris Matochi and Katie Kiel as they shepherd their young spikers through the season.

And while both Wolf squads fell at Sultan Wednesday, dropping their records to 0-2, growth was just what they saw.

“I think that this game the girls really came together as a team,” Kiel said. “While we didn’t come away with a win, we did come away with plenty of learning opportunities and areas to improve on.

“We still had some pre-game jitters but that quickly worked itself out.”

Coupeville wraps up a three-match road trip with a journey to Shoreline this coming Monday, Oct. 11 to play King’s, then gets three-straight at home.

“I think that the girls will continue to progress throughout the season, and I’m excited to see how we do against King’s,” Kiel said. “We have two days to get ready, and I have no doubt that this team will give King’s a run for their money.”

As the Wolves progress through the season, their coaches are preaching focusing on the positive aspects of their journey.

“Coach Cris and I have been encouraging not only “positive self talk” but “positive team talk” as well,” Kiel said.

“Volleyball starts in the mind, and if we’re mentally ready, then getting physically ready is a piece of cake.”