Coupeville Sports

Wolf 8th graders anchor the Coupeville Middle School volleyball program. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)

They lit the joint up.

Playing at home for the first time this season, the Coupeville Middle School varsity volleyball squad captured its first win Monday, crushing visiting Granite Falls.

Meanwhile, both Wolf JV teams fought hard against the Tigers, with the A-Team coming dangerously close to capturing its own victory.

Varsity:

It was all Coupeville, all the time, as the Wolves cruised to a sweep.

The 25-18, 25-17, 15-8 triumph started with high school coach Cory Whitmore covering for his fiancée, Cris Matochi, who was wrapping an important meeting at his day job.

With Whitmore and CMS coach Kristina Hooks working in tandem, they sparked the Wolves to a strong start, before Matochi swept into the gym to help his players close out the victory.

“We had a good night tonight,” Matochi said. “The varsity team played really well and their energy was unmatched.

“Once they figured out a way to get a good run on serving, the match took its course.”

Coupeville’s consistency and ability to work as a unit brought a smile to their coach’s face.

“We were able to flow as a group even on points when things were not working in our favor,” Matochi said.

“However, they were never intimidated and kept consistent, solid form-oriented volleyball throughout the entire match.”

The victory was for everyone in the gym.

“Our fans were awesome. The kids were feeding off their energy,” Matochi said. “When I arrived there, I saw how well they got the team going.

“Coach Cory was excited to get the experience to coach them for a little while today and see the talent that will be heading his way in the future.

“Cory has such a gift with volleyball and I’m so proud of what he is doing for this program.”

Spiker gurus Kristina Hooks and Cris Matochi bring passion and fun to their teaching duties.

JV:

Team A was nipped 25-23, 20-25, 15-10 in a nailbiter, while Team B “also put on a good fight.”

“Kristina’s Team A, they were so close to finishing the first set,” Matochi said. “But Granite Falls had a very strong server that was able to turn the game around when they were tied 23-23.

“The kids are improving so quickly and although we have quite ways to go, the kids are showing that their game is growing.”

While Matochi is a veteran in the CMS coaching world, this is Hooks first go-round with the Wolves, and the former Oak Harbor spiker star is already having a hugely positive impact on her young players.

“Coach Kristina is incredible,” Matochi said. “She is working so hard with these kids and their improvement is clear as water.

“She has such an incredible drive for the game and the kids really want to make her proud,” he added. “We are so lucky to have her on our staff.”