Lady Mules fall in state tourney

The Wahkiakum Lady Mule volleyball ran into tough competition and lost its first two matches in the Class 2B State Volleyball Tournament last week in Yakima.

In the first round, the Mules faced a very tough number one seed in Tekoa-Oaksdale and were defeated 18-25, 12-25, 14-25.

The loss pitted the Mules against North West Christian who prevailed 25-13, 20-25, 25-17, 25-22.

"We started out a bit flat but were able to rally back in game two," said Mule Coach Patty Anderson.

Top performances for the Mules were Paige Kehrli with 14 points and 14 assists, Sarah Doumit with 19 kills, Jordyn Wirkkala with 10 service points and nine kills, Shelby Deaton with 16 kills and 13 stuff blocks, and Blaine Land with 14 kills and four stuff blocks.

Sportsmanship medals were awarded to Wirkkala and Samantha Cress.

Overall, the Mules tied for second in Central League and placed fourth in district.

"Congratulations to the team on a great season," Anderson said. "It was quite inspirational to see my girls play with such passion."

Seniors on the team were Kehrli, Doumit, Deaton, Cress and Brittney Robbins,