Rhylee Inman (13), seen last season, is making a name for herself as a spike-happy volleyball star. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
They passed their biggest test.
Reaching the halfway point of the season Monday, the Coupeville Middle School volleyball teams did so by engaging, and surviving, private-school juggernaut King’s.
Capping a string of three straight home matches, the scrappy Wolves put up a strong effort against the Knights.
“Their team was by far the best team we have played this season so far, but the girls fought hard,” said CMS coach Cris Matochi.
How the day played out:
Level 1:
Coupeville came hard at the service line but was tripped up by “details and unforced errors” in other places during a 25-11, 25-20, 15-12 loss.
“We served well and could keep the ball up for most of the game, but we struggled to avoid unforced errors when they were crucial,” Matochi said.
“Our team did a good job with serve-receive, and I think the players are finally getting more comfortable with our rotations. Now, we need to apply the skills from the practices to the games.
“They have been so good at working on them during practices, but we struggle to use them when it matters the most.”
Rhylee Inman paced CMS with two kills and four digs, while Cassie Powers (six aces, two digs, one kill) and Zariyah Allen (six digs, two aces) also came up big.
Cameron Van Dyke and Emma Leavitt peppered King’s with three service aces apiece to help fill up the stat sheet.
Level 2 and 3:
“The level two team played really well during the second half of the first set,” said Wolf coach Kristina Hooks.
“There were a lot of great passes and serves; I was really impressed with Emily (Rains) during one rally in the game — she was ready for every ball that came her way.”
As the season has progressed, Hooks has seen improvement from her spikers, many of whom are fairly new to the game. Now the key is to keep building on the lessons learned.
“Our biggest problem for both teams that we are still working on is moving our feet to the ball and not being scared of the ball,” she said.
“It takes a lot of time and practice in order to determine where a ball is going to go and how to anticipate that.
“My main goal for the level three team is to build their confidence in their abilities and to remember everything from practice during game situations.”
What’s next:
After three straight at home, the Wolves now play three straight on the road, traveling to Northshore Christian Academy (Oct. 14), Sultan (Oct. 16), and Granite Falls (Oct. 17).
The season then concludes back at home, with South Whidbey visiting Coupeville Oct. 21.
Coupeville Sports 
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