Undersized, short-handed, short on experience —  sure — but a young Friday Harbor volleyball squad solidified its promise as a contender with a pair of victories over the leagues’ weaker rivals.

On the heels of a 3-0 loss at Orcas, Oct. 18, the Wolverines bounced back two days later and dealt Cedar Park Christian a decisive 3-1 defeat, at home.

With the win, Friday Harbor, which swept its 2-game series against winless Concrete, improved to 3-6 in Nortwest 1A/2B competition, firmly ahead of both Concrete and Cedar Park Christian in the league standings.

The Wolverines (3-9 overall) squared off Monday against league-leading La Conner, undefeated in league play, and are slated to open post-season play, Saturday, at the District 1 playoffs, hosted by Lynden Christian High School.

— Scott Rasmussen