Ellie Marble (8), in action against Coupeville’s Lucy Tenore (left) and Jill Prince, led La Conner to another state volleyball title. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
They lost to the best.
The Coupeville High School volleyball squad only came up short against one other 2B school this fall, and that rival ended up once again ruling the state.
La Conner, which handed the Wolves three of their six losses — the other defeats came in non-conference tilts with 1A schools — clinched a third-straight 2B state title Friday.
The Braves, who finished 22-0, didn’t drop a set in sweeping through four matches at the Yakima Valley SunDome.
The 2021 title follows on the heels of similar wins in 2019 and 2018. There was no postseason in 2020, due to Covid.
La Conner previously claimed the crown in 2002, 2006, and 2007, all under current coach Suzanne Marble.
The Braves swept through their foes, knocking off Rainier (25-7, 25-13, 25-7) and Okanogan (25-18, 25-14, 25-7) Thursday.
Then came Friday wins over Manson and Walla Walla Valley (25-15, 25-13, 25-12) in the semifinals and final, respectively.
Manson beat Raymond in the 3rd/4th match, with Colfax (5th), Goldendale (6th), Liberty (Spangle) (7th), and Adna (8th) rounding out award winners.
Darrington has busy day:
While La Conner claimed the only ticket out of District 1/2 to the 2B state tourney, leaving Coupeville a match short, the third-place team in the Northwest 2B/1B League also advanced to the big dance.
Taking advantage of a more wide-open field in 1B, Darrington earned a shot and turned it into a three-match adventure.
The Loggers opened Thursday with a 3-0 win over Evergreen Lutheran, before falling 3-0 to #1 Oakesdale and 3-2 to Pomeroy to be eliminated.
Coupeville Sports 