Halle Black’s fans were out in force to watch the ace-happy server pepper the Turks. (Photos courtesy Mandi Black)
They’re living on the bus.
Making the second of three straight road trips, the Coupeville Middle School volleyball spikers headed off to Sultan Monday, where they gave the Turks a battle.
Facing off with their big school rivals, the Wolves picked up a win and two competitive losses before heading home for a brief moment or two.
Then it’s right back on the road Wednesday, heading to Everett to play Northshore Christian Academy, before closing the season with three of four at home in Cow Town.
How Monday played out:
Level 1:
Coupeville’s top squad swept all three sets from Sultan to get to 2-1 on the season.
“They demonstrated good hustle and endurance,” said Wolf coach Elizabeth Mallett. “They put it all on the court.”
Halle Black sparked the Wolves, ripping off four consecutive aces, while Faith Rivers and Reina Rivers “set our hitters up for some nice kills.”
Lurking around the net Reagan Green “found the open spot on the floor with several good tips,” while Josilyn McColl “was aggressive and got several kills,” and Brinn Meek “showed good versatility.”
“We had good digs throughout the night,” Mallett added. “The team had positivity and was cheering after every point.”
They came, they saw, they won.
Level 2:
A royal rumble, with the Turks barely escaping with the win and the Wolves getting stronger as the day unfolded.
“They showed significant improvement and resilience, especially after a slow start in the first set,” said coach Mandi Black.
“The girls made two key adjustments: moving their feet and calling the ball, which immediately helped improve their play.”
Scotlyn Helm, pulling double duty between teams two and three, was everywhere on the floor for the Wolves, while Arley Bosler (9) and Delilah Grinstead (5) combined to rack up 14 service aces.
Bosler also settled in as libero, “becoming comfortable and confident in the back row throughout the night.”
“The team showed grit and growth and put into action many of the skills and drills they have been working on in practice and what we talked about from our last game,” Black said.
“The team got multiple three-touch rallies, showing improvement in passing and setting.
“Overall, the match was a strong step forward for level two, with the girls improving in competitiveness and the ability to make adjustments during the game.”
Level 3:
No win, but plenty of hustle.
Zora Worthington (five aces) and Lily Jacobson (two aces) led the way at the service stripe, while Selina Milburn and Lindsey Ashby were named team captains for the match and lived up to their new roles.
Coach Audrey Meek praised the effort she saw from her spikers across the board.
“Scotlyn Helm played for both team two and team three and walked off the courts looking like a true volleyball player,” she said.
“Evelynn McDonald, River Castellanos, and Annabelle Wold carried the team with their positive attitudes and really kept the team motivated.”
Another day, another gym for the Wolf spike crew.
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