Teagan Calkins played strongly Monday at Shoreline. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)
“Today was by far the best we have played this season yet.”
While both Coupeville Middle School volleyball teams fell to powerhouse King’s on the road Monday, Wolf coach Cris Matochi came away quite pleased.
“Our team has improved substantially, and today we had a bunch of incredible plays,” he said. “We also have improved our skills, and the girls stepped in and fought really hard.
“Coach Katie (Kiel) and I are extremely proud of these girls, and I could’ve not asked for a better performance from them.”
Coupeville, which was wrapping up a three-game road trip to start the season, knew going in the task would be monumental.
Yet the Wolves never flinched while facing a private school juggernaut.
“King’s was a very well-trained and developed team, with tall and athletic players,” Matochi said.
“Before we stepped in to the court, I asked the girls to play like they are David against Goliath. They all followed that motto whole-heartedly!”
Matochi praised the entire roster of young spikers for their grit and determination, while casting a spotlight on a terrific trio.
“Teagan (Calkins), Brynn (Parker), and Tenley (Stuurmans) did an incredible job with setting, and every single player that came in to the game — whether for a specific role or to play around — was able to show improvement and tenacity.”
From here on out, the Wolves remain on Whidbey, with three-straight home matches, then a short trip down Island to face Langley in the season finale.
First up is Granite Falls, which comes to Coupeville this Wednesday, Oct. 13. Tipoff is 3:15 PM.
“We are extremely proud of these group of girls, and we are so excited to play the next matches and see what our future holds,” Matochi said.
