Haylee Armstrong (left) and Taylor Brotemarkle share a number, and a commitment to being most excellent. (Michelle Armstrong photo)
The spikes are flying once more.
Volleyball season kicked off Saturday with a three-school jamboree at Oak Harbor High School, with Coupeville and South Whidbey traveling north for the day.
The Wolves were led by JV coach Ashley Menges and middle school volleyball guru Cris Matochi, who stepped in for varsity head man Cory Whitmore, who had a family comittment.
Coupeville’s senior spikers invade Oak Harbor for the final time as a pack. (Jennifer Heaton photo)
Jamborees are all about getting into sync, and getting a chance to experience competition, often with a new lineup.
“My goals for them today were to get comfortable in rotations and make sure they knew them, and to have fun,” Menges said.
“Once the rotations are out of the way, then I really get to start coaching.
“So, for about the first two sets we were still learning those, but once everyone seemed to understand, the day went great.”
The Wolf JV squad is a mix of veterans and newbies, and they quickly found a rhythm.
“A lot of really good things happened today, and this group is really great about applying feedback immediately,” Menges said.
“They’re quick learners, and the immediate gratification they feel when things go right is really great to see so early in the season.
“I’ll say pretty much everyone had a great day, and a lot of the freshmen really impressed me today.”
Chelsi Stevens sends a ball skyward as Adeline Maynes watches. (Kristi Stevens photo)
Now it’s on to the start of the regular season, with a road trip to South Whidbey set for Tuesday.
Menges, herself a former standout Wolf spiker, is ready for the current generation to hit the floor and come out swinging.
“Lots of good things, and lots of things to work on of course, but it was a great start to this season,” she said.
“I’m totally proud of these girls and I hope they are as well.”
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