Coupeville Sports

Lexis Drake defends the net in an earlier match. (Julie Wheat photo)

Long day, big benefits.

After traveling to Yakima for the SunDome Volleyball Festival, the Coupeville High School varsity spikers sizzled in the spotlight Friday.

The young Wolves won all three of their matches in pool play, before putting together a valiant effort against two top-flight programs in bracket action.

First-year CHS head coach Scout Smith came away from the trip pleased with how her players handled life on the same courts where the state tourney is held each year.

“A really good experience for a young team,” she said. “They showed some really great fight and determination.

“Lots of winning and lots of learning,” Smith added. “The coaching staff really liked some of the things we saw and were excited to learn areas we can continue to improve.”

The Wolves are on the prowl in Yakima. (Scout Smith photo)

Coupeville opened play by bouncing Granger (25-19, 25-19), Inchelium (25-13, 25-5), and West Valley (26-24, 22-25), advancing to the top bracket in the prestigious tourney.

The Wolves fell 25-10, 25-14 to Cashmere, and 25-15, 25-19 to Northwest Christian in a preview of the kind of teams they would square off with if they earn a trip to the big dance in November.

For now, CHS returns to match play Tuesday, Sept. 16, when it travels to Friday Harbor for the Northwest 2B/1B League opener.

Tournament stats:

Capri Anter — 11 digs, 1 assist, 2 aces
Haylee Armstrong — 12 kills, 21 digs, 1 assist, 7 aces
Teagan Calkins — 29 kills, 22 digs, 2 block assists, 5 aces
Ari Cunningham — 5 kills, 13 digs, 1 assist, 1 block assist, 3 aces
Lexis Drake — 9 kills, 9 digs, 3 block assists
Adeline Maynes — 1 dig, 5 aces
Dakota Strong — 10 kills, 1 dig, 1 block assist
Tenley Stuurmans — 4 kills, 10 digs, 56 assists, 1 block assist, 18 aces
Sydney Van Dyke — 1 kill

A group hug before they go wreck some fools. (Scout Smith photo)