Ready to fire off some aces. (Jerry Helm photo)
They reached the end of the road. For now.
Playing away from Whidbey for the third straight time, the Coupeville Middle School volleyball spikers held their own with a private school rival and now get to return home for a stretch.
After splitting two matches with host Northshore Christian Academy Wednesday, the Wolves host their next three bouts.
That’ll come next week, when CMS welcomes King’s, Lakewood, and Sultan to Cow Town on October 12, 14, and 15.
Coupeville wraps its eight-match schedule with one last road trip, but stays on The Rock, when it travels to South Whidbey on the 19th.
Unlike most Cascade League schools, Northshore Christian only has two volleyball teams, not three, so the Wolves juggled their own roster to adjust to the absence of a third rumble.
Several players from Level Two popped up to play with Level One, while the second and third CMS teams combined to form a super-squad.
Cruising the open waters in pursuit of volleyball matches. (Mandi Black photo)
How Wednesday played out:
Level 1:
Coupeville’s aces won two of three sets to capture the W and run their record to 3-1 on the season.
With Arley Bosler, Lilah Grinstead, and Mia Goers moving up, the trio combined with the regulars to form a potent juggernaut.
“They came together and played as one,” said CMS coach Elizabeth Mallett. “They fought hard and won.”
Brinn Meek made her debut at libero for the Wolves and “did a great job with numerous good digs,” while Josilyn McColl “played aggressively at the net, getting several kills.”
Also having solid days were Reina Rivers who “had great serves and set up our hitters beautifully,” Faith Rivers, who “had great digs and was all over the court,” and Reagan Green, who “played aggressively at the net, getting a happy birthday and finding the open spot to dump the ball.”
Mallett also praised Milly Somes for “demonstrating good teamwork and picking up several tips” and Halle Black, who filled up the stat sheet with digs and aces.
The three level two players meshed perfectly, with the trio picking up their rotations quickly, showing positivity, and peppering Northshore with service aces.
Ready to rumble. (Jerry Helm photo)
Level 2:
Wolf coaches Mandi Black and Audrey Meek found floor time for 13 different players, with the Wolves pushing their hosts hard before being narrowly nipped in three sets.
“They worked together to rotate in and out evenly throughout the match,” Black said.
“The girls made adjustments on the fly, making sure everyone had equal playing time while continuing to serve and rotate through both the front and back rows.”
Diana Teran Herrera had the hot hand, ripping off a team-leading eight aces, and she and her teammates impressed their coaches with their effort and continued growth.
“The girls showed their usual resilience and determination to come back and win the third set,” Black said.
“We saw lots of great rallies and continued improvement throughout the match.
“The girls’ spirit, hustle, and teamwork continue to show their commitment to both their team and the sport.
“So proud of how they came together and adjusted to another last-minute change.”
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