Coupeville Sports

That moment when you beat the Evil Empire. (Jackie Saia photo)

The narrative changed, and it changed fast.

A day-and-a-half after letting a five-set match slip away for the second time this season, the Coupeville High School varsity volleyball spikers fully found their mojo.

With all nine girls putting up numbers on the stat sheet Saturday, the Wolves went to Langley and whacked some folks.

Sweeping all four of its matches at the South Whidbey Invite — including KO’ing four-time defending 2B state champs La Conner for the first time since rejoining the Northwest 2B/1B League in 2020 — Coupeville returns to Cow Town as tourney champs.

“It was a fun day,” said CHS coach Cory Whitmore. “I’m very encouraged with what we accomplished today.”

Coming off that Thursday loss to Orcas Island, the Wolves got after it at practice Friday, and it paid immediate dividends.

“Practice was challenging and focused, and they persevered through it,” Whitmore said.

“So, we started today with me telling them that today would be a success no matter what if they took ownership over the energy, the execution and game-management.

“They did exactly that, and I’m very proud of them, but I hope more importantly, they are proud of them.”

Nine spikers playing as one. (Christi Messner photo)

Coupeville won 10 of 12 sets Saturday and finished with an impressive 278-192 advantage in points.

The Wolves swept Klahowya (25-11, 25-17, 25-17) and Bremerton (25-9, 25-2, 25-14), while holding off Mount Vernon Christian and La Conner 2-1.

MVC fell 25-14, 22-25, 23-22, while the Braves, who have dominated the region for years, came up on the short end of a 25-23, 15-25, 18-12 match.

Coupeville and La Conner meet again Tuesday, when Whitmore and Co. head off-Island for the first of two regular-season matches against the champs.

For the moment, however, the remainder of the weekend is for rest and basking in the afterglow of a day of near perfection.

Saturday stats:

Taylor Brotemarkle — 9 digs, 1 assist
Teagan Calkins — 15 kills, 2 digs, 5 aces, 1 solo block
Mia Farris — 22 kills, 27 digs, 7 aces, 3 block assists
Jada Heaton — 8 kills, 7 digs, 2 block assists
Issabel Johnson — 1 assist
Katie Marti — 5 kills, 18 digs, 101 assists, 22 aces, 3 block assists
Madison McMillan — 46 digs, 4 assists, 6 aces
Grey Peabody — 24 kills, 5 block assists
Lyla Stuurmans — 44 kills, 20 digs, 19 aces, 2 solo blocks, 1 block assist

Did I mention they beat the Evil Empire? (Bailey Thule photo)