Emma Mathusek, who paced Coupeville in digs Saturday at the South Whidbey Invite, gets the Wolves rolling. (Photos by JohnsPhotos.net)
Eryn Wood scrapes a shot off the floor.
Abby Meyers prepares to launch a missile.
No volleyball shall escape Maddie Vondrak.
“I’m very happy about the progress that we made.”
Coupeville High School volleyball coach Cory Whitmore was all smiles after his spikers rallied to finish second at Saturday’s eight-team South Whidbey Invite.
The Wolf varsity won 11 of 14 sets, finishing with a +77 point differential, at the all-day tourney.
Not bad for a day which started on a slightly sour note.
Maybe thrown off by the early start time, Coupeville’s varsity dropped its first set to South Whidbey’s JV team.
“Definitely our low point,” Whitmore said. “It was a great lesson in arriving ready to play and focused no matter the team across the net.”
The Wolves roared right back to take the second set, however, and then stepped up big against the South Whidbey varsity.
Both the Wolves and Falcons went to the state tourney last season, and both want to make a run at defending state champs King’s when the new North Sound Conference begins league play.
CHS drew first blood, winning the opening set 25-14, before dropping a close second frame to the Falcons.
“I was very excited to see us step out on the court and play with confidence and tenacity,” Whitmore said. “They came back and took the second set, as we let their strong attack affect our game-plan too much, but, like with every game, we had great lessons from which to build.”
Coupeville also split sets with North Mason, while sweeping Friday Harbor, Lopez Island, Bremerton (all varsity teams) and the Wolf JV.
“I truly felt with each passing game, we became more and more cohesive as a unit, had a new lesson to face and with it, gained the experience that will help to take us through competitive play in league and into playoffs,” Whitmore said.
“Each player had some great moments throughout the day and playing 14 sets in a day is a challenge, mentally and physically,” he added. “I’m very proud about how this team played strong even toward the end of the Invite.”
Maya Toomey-Stout (32 kills, 12 digs, 11 service aces), Ashley Menges (14 kills, 15 aces, 30 assists) and Chelsea Prescott (10 kills, 19 digs, 11 aces) led the way, filling up the stat sheet.
Emma Smith dropped 29 thunderous kills and 16 scorching aces, while Scout Smith laced 18 aces and fired up a team-high 45 assists.
Rounding out a very-balanced attack, Hannah Davidson thumped 10 kills and 12 aces, while Emma Mathusek scraped the floor for a team-best 25 digs.
JV plays strongly:
While the varsity roared to the top, Coupeville’s second squad also acquitted itself quite nicely.
“I just want to say how proud and excited I am about how they progressed throughout the day,” Whitmore said. “Being early in the season, it’s a steep learning curve, especially for our freshman.
“To play against six varsity-level teams and get stronger and stronger as the day went on, that is something to be excited about.”
While he was impressed with everyone on the JV roster, he singled out Raven Vick, Maddie Vondrak and Lucy Sandahl for particular praise.
“All three played six rotations, without break, in 14 sets,” Whitmore said.
“Lucy was the primary setter, tracking down passes and putting up reliable sets.” he added. “Raven served tough and anchored the passing line combined with a strong outside attack.
“Playing middle block, Maddie was fast along the net, but I was especially impressed with her playing very well in the back row as well. With only one match to practice, she did a phenomenal job playing all-the-way-around.”
To see all the photos John Fisken shot at the Invite, pop over to:
https://www.johnsphotos.net/Sports/Coupeville-Volleyball-2018-2019/VB-2018-09-08-SW-Tournament/
And, when you do, remember, purchases help fund scholarships for CHS students/athletes.
