Wolverines sports recap

Girls Soccer

September has been a heavy month for the Wolverine girl’s soccer team, with one game every other day for the last two weeks.

The first game on Sept. 6 was a tie against Nooksack Valley High, Sept. 8 they won against Coupeville, but their home game Sept. 15 against Mount Vernon Christian was a loss 6-0. The Wolverines fought hard, but they were not able to crack the solid defense of Mount Vernon Christian.

Both varsity and JV had great games against Lakewood on Saturday, Sept. 18. Coach Kevin Cullen said. Varsity won 2-0 and JV won 3-0. “We were down in numbers for both matches with the JV playing much of the game with only nine girls! This was JV’s first game, and it was the Varsity’s sixth game in 12 days. I am so impressed with these girls’ attitudes and the fact that though they are truly fatigued they still go out and give it their all match after match,” Cullen said. “We have three more matches this week against Granite Falls, La Conner and Mariner before we get a much-needed break.”

The next home game will be at noon on Sept. 24, at the Linde Community Fields against Mariner High.

Boys Soccer

The boys kicked off the season against LaConner Sept. 17, with a home game against LaConner.

“What a way to kick off the season! One of my favorite parts of yesterday was looking over and seeing such a large group of fans to cheer us on. They were loud and hyped which really energized our players,” Coach Brett Paul said.

According to Paul, the Wolverines had been working really hard in practice to incorporate our fullbacks into our offensive play. Zach Place and Mason Clark stood out to the coaches as making great offensive efforts out of the fullback position.

Five players score goals: two goals by Jonah Parsons, two by Alden Carli, two by Owen Conde Raggett, one by Mateo Zappelli, one by Luke Totten, and one by Mason Clark.

The amount of goals in this first game is important, according to Paul because last year they struggled to put goals on the board. “his was a confidence boost and statement to ourselves of what we are capable of,” he said.

The boys also worked solid defense and possessed the ball well with several great offensive passing sequences

“We definitely have lots to work on but for a first game but we were pleased with this first game effort,” Paul said. Friday Harbor won with a final score of 9-0.

The next home game will be Sept. 27 at 4 p.m. at Linde Community Fields against Mount Vernon Christian.

Volleyball

This week the Wolverines volleyball attended the South Whidbey Invite at South Whidbey High School Sept. 10. “This is the first time this team has been able to attend the tournament in two years and many were looking forward to it, including the opportunity to bond as a team. There were some great competitors at the tournament including Coupeville, South Whidbey, North Mason, and Bremerton,” Coach Nadine Varsovia said. “This was a great opportunity for the Wolverines to play some bigger schools, providing an excellent learning and growth experience.”

The team’s mental toughness was tested, Varsovia said, when after playing six games in one day. The morning started off slow but as the day went on, the girls were able to come together and play like a cohesive unit, ultimately finishing 4th in the tournament. Sophomore, Kai Whalen, was able to secure several clean blocks along with her fellow middle blockers Jasper Markins and Jemimah Mukundwa, according to Varsovia. Junior Natalie Morton got a chance to shine at the tournament as well with her laser-fast serves and with her hitting ability. “Many of the girls on the team seemed to find themselves in this tournament and watching them come alive like that on the court is the best thing a coach could ask for!” Varsovia said.

The next home game will be Sept. 22 at 3:30 p.m. against LacConner.

Heather Spaulding / Staff photo
Ella Raichlan takes the ball down the field.

Heather Spaulding / Staff photo Ella Raichlan takes the ball down the field.

Heather Spaulding / Staff photo
Defending the ball.

Heather Spaulding / Staff photo Defending the ball.

Heather Spaulding / Staff photo
Jonah Parsons kicking the ball downfield.

Heather Spaulding / Staff photo Jonah Parsons kicking the ball downfield.

Heather Spaulding / Staff photo
Wolverines put the pressure on LaConner's goalie.

Heather Spaulding / Staff photo Jonah Parsons kicking the ball downfield.

Heather Spaulding / Staff photo
Wolverines set up for a goal.
Heather Spaulding / Staff photo
Wolverines set up for a goal.

Heather Spaulding / Staff photo Wolverines set up for a goal. Heather Spaulding / Staff photo Wolverines set up for a goal.