Mules thump Adna, Napavine

Rob Stockhouse, a Puget Island farmer, doubled as auctioneer Saturday during the dinner on the Grays River Covered Bridge. Friends of Wahkiakum Extension put on the event to raise funds for Extension and 4-H. Photo by Rick Nelson.

The Wahkiakum Mule volleyball team won two of three Central League matches this past week.

On Tuesday, the Mules swept visiting Napavine 25-22, 25-21, 26-24. The Mules had an early lead in the final match, but Napavine tied the score at 23-23. Freshman Amy Gawith served the winning points, with Rebecka Patching scoring the match point on a solid hit.

Jordyn Wirkkala served a perfect 21/21 and had four aces. She also had nine points at the net. Setter Halie Boyce made 19 assists, and Rebecka Patching had seven kills and five blocks. Boyce served 12/12 with three aces, and Brieanna Olsen served 13/15 with three aces.

On October 1, the Mules won at Adna by scores of 30-28, 25-19, 21-25, and 25-22.

"This was our best match of the year," said Mule Coach Jeff Rooklidge. "The team came out with intensity and played great defense. Wirkkala led us with 17 kills. Blaine Land added 12 kills. Patching had three kills and three big stuff blocks. Gawith added three kills and a block. Boyce dished out 28 assists.

"Olsen added four kills. Ashley Helms was all over the court, playing great defense. She led us in digs from her libero position. Halylee Budd and Brianne Helms both passed well."

On September 29, the Mules lost to visiting Mossyrock by scores of 25-15, 27-25, 25-27, and 25-17.

Wirkkala had 12 kills; Land had six and Patching had four kills and four blocks. Gawith had five blocks and four kills, and Olsen had three kills and two blocks. Boyce had 18 assists.

"Helms and Budd hustled and worked hard on defense," Rooklidge said. "Wirkkala served 12 points and 100 percent serving. Helms added seven points serving."

The Mules visit Pe Ell next Tuesday and host White Pass on October 20 in a 6 p.m. match.