It’s a long ride to Yakima, and Wolf volleyball coach Cory Whitmore plans to stay hydrated. (Kimberly Bepler photo)
Team manager Kayla Rose, the true power behind the throne. (Justine McGranahan photo)
Hope Lodell leads the charge from the school to the CHS gym parking lot, as she and her teammates navigate a wall of well-wishers. (Bepler photo)
Senior spikers Kyla Briscoe (left) and Katrina McGranahan are ready to get going. (Justine McGranahan photo)
Wolf moms (and dads) send their daughters off to the big dance. (Bepler photo)
McGranahan, a veteran of many, many bus and ferry trips, arrives pillow in hand. (Bepler photo)
Allison Wenzel and Whitmore run the gauntlet. (Bepler photo)
And then the selfie stick came out. (Jennifer Menges photo)
And now the wheels on the bus go round and round, for a very long time.
After being sent on their way Thursday by the entire school — with students, faculty, fans and parents lining the walkway — the Wolf volleyball squad is officially Yakima-bound.
Coupeville opens play at the state tourney 3:15 PM Friday, when it plays undefeated Castle Rock at the SunDome.
Win or lose, the Wolves, who are making their first appearance at the big dance since 2004, return to play a second match Friday night.
That will be against either King’s or the state’s #1 ranked 1A team, Lakeside (Nine Mile Falls).
Win at least one of its two matches Friday and CHS hangs around to play more Saturday.
While they face strong foes, if the past is any indication, the Wolves stand a good shot.
Coupeville spikers earned at least one win each of the four previous times (2001-2004) they went to state.
Thursday afternoon, though, it was all about the anticipation, and the joy of getting major support from their classmates and school.
Coupeville Sports 