Mules 3rd at district,head to state VB tourney

The Wahkiakum Lady Mules volleyball team earned a berth to state by winning three of four games at the district playoffs at Montesano on Saturday.

The Mules started off by defeating Northwest Christian 23-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-20.

The Mules then faced South Bend, the number one seed from the Pacific League in a winner to state match. South Bend's middle attack was too strong as the Mules dropped the match 21-25, 20-25, and 16-25.

Next, the Mules faced Morton in a loser out, winner to state battle and defeated the Huskies 25-21, 25-13, 22-25, 25-14.

To end the day, the Mules battled the Adna Pirates for the third and fourth seed playoff spots and defeated them 15-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-11.

"It was a very long day for the girls," said Coach Patty Anderson. "There were some great performances by Sara Jespersen who had 28 kills, 56 blocks, and 22 points serving. Brandi Arness had 47 points serving, and Whitley Wirkkala gave strong all around play all day.

"My seniors--Jespersen, Arness and W. Wirkkala--displayed fantastic leadership and were critical to our success."

Setter Paige Kehrli made 88 assists on the day. Shelby Deaton came on at the end of the day and finished with 34 points serving, 22 kills and 30 blocks.

"Jordyn Wirkkala and Brittney Robbins played some spectacular defense," Anderson said. "Sara Doumit was by far the hardest hitter of the day; she finished with 24 kills. Hailie Boyce came in to set against South Bend, Morton and Adna. Her fresh legs helped to spark the Mules. Not enough can be said for Sammi Cress and Rebecca Patching. Their spirit and enthusiastic support was one of the main reasons our girls played so well against Adna."

The Mules will be playing against Life Christian Friday morning at 9 a.m. at the Sun Dome in Yakima.