The Wolves stand strong at the net. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)
Times have changed.
For a very long time, La Conner High School volleyball was the beast of the Northwest 2B/1B League, a virtually unstoppable hitting machine that never lost in conference play.
Like never-ever for a decade-plus.
But times have changed.
Taking control of their own destiny, Coupeville’s varsity spikers strolled into La Conner’s gym Tuesday and seized the title of the new big-bad on the block.
Whacking the Braves 25-14, 25-19, 25-15, the Wolves hand their nemesis a loss in league play for the second-straight season.
CHS also gets to 3-0 in conference action, 4-0 overall, and has yet to drop a set.
Tuesday’s win sets up a major rumble Thursday, when fellow unbeaten Darrington (1-0, 5-0) visits Coupeville.
It’s the only time the Wolves will face the Loggers this season, as Cory Whitmore’s squad plays twice against the other four 2B schools in the NWL, but just once against 1B rivals Concrete and Darrington.
But that titanic tilt is still two days away.
For now, the Wolves can bask in the afterglow of a definitive win, achieved in the gym where a dynasty was built.
“It was a fun night on the road, and pretty exciting to get the win on their home court and do it in three,” Whitmore said.
“For the most part, we played pretty clean, which is what made up most of our scouting report.”
Coupeville knows its history, and the Wolves came prepared.
“We knew that their identity was to limit errors and attack smart,” Whitmore said.
“Our scouting report was to anticipate stuff going wide and be ready to outlast them until we can be in-rhythm to attack full-force.
“A La Conner team is going to make you earn your points and we did just that.”
The victory was a true team win, from the players on the floor, to the players who sell out every practice getting their compatriots primed for action.
“I’m really proud of the entire team,” Whitmore said. “Each did their role when called upon and I thought we also made small adjustments really well; our experience really showed tonight.
“I have to give an early shoutout to Chloe Marzocca, Aby Wood, and Carly Burt – they are a big part of getting ready, and so while they may not always see the court on gameday, their work is essential for us to be successful.”
Katie Marti directs traffic.
Wolf setter Katie Marti “did a great job of mixing up our hitting options when needed but also making the smart set for the highest pay off,” something which really drove the offense.
Popping note-perfect passes to her mighty mashers, who came in swinging hot ‘n heavy, the ever-peppy senior kept Coupeville on the attack, and La Conner on the defensive.
Given the chance to pound the ball, the Wolf big hitters did just that.
“Lyla (Stuurmans) and Teagan (Calkins) led the way with kills, but it was also their protection of the ball that made them so successful,” Whitmore said.
“Just those two combined for a .426 attack efficiency,” he added.
“It is impossible to be able to run through the middle (Lyla) and get the ball to the right side (Teagan) without really strong passing, and this is where we also excelled.”
Taylor Brotemarkle gets low to scrape a ball off the floor.
Putting the cherry on the sundae was the team’s nearly flawless work at the service stripe.
“A clean service game, committing only four service errors, helped to start off our defense in a strong position,” Whitmore said.
Now it’s on to the next match, always with an eye on improving, and maintaining their hot start.
“As a coaching staff, we have identified a couple areas that we could stand to improve upon,” Whitmore said.
“But the girls can be proud of having made this step, and we’ll now set our sights on preparing for Darrington on Thursday.”
Schedule change:
An issue with the ferry system has erased a non-conference road trip to Forks, originally set for Sept. 30.
The Wolf varsity will replace that rumble with a showdown with Okanogan Oct. 11 at Liberty High School in Spangle.
Coupeville was already traveling that direction, as it is slated to play in the Liberty Tournament the next day.
Tuesday stats:
Taylor Brotemarkle — 5 digs
Teagan Calkins — 11 kills, 4 digs, 1 block assist, 3 aces
Mia Farris — 6 kills, 13 digs, 1 ace
Jada Heaton — 1 kill, 2 digs, 1 ace
Katie Marti — 2 kills, 9 digs, 33 assists
Madison McMillan — 7 kills, 13 digs, 2 aces
Lyla Stuurmans — 14 kills, 8 digs, 1 assist, 1 block assist, 5 aces
Tenley Stuurmans — 1 ace
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