Mules advance in district volleyball

The Wahkiakum Mule volleyball team advanced to the second round of the district volleyball tournament by defeating Morton 24-26, 26-24, 25-10, 25-16 Tuesday at Montesano.

They'll play South Bend 11 a.m. Saturday morning at Montesano. The competition will be double elimination, and four teams advance to state.

"Blaine Land had a great night at the net with 19 kills," said Mule Coach Jeff Rooklidge. "She gave us a great effort overcoming flu like symptoms and still leading us in kills.

"Jordyn Wirkkala had 11 kills and played great defense. Amy Gawith had seven kills and solid net play. Halie Boyce again ran our offense well, distributing 31 assists. Evelyn Clark made several big blocks and kills that helped jump start us and change the momentum during the last three sets. Evelyn had six blocks and four kills. Ashley Helms led us in digs and provided good defensive play, and Brieanna Olsen really hustled and added some solid attacking from the right side, especially in the last two sets."

The Mules clinched third place in Central League standings last Thursday with a road trip win at Napavine.

The Mules won 5-22, 22-25, 25-9, 27-25 to finish 8-4 in Central League competition. Toutle Lake finished as league champion, and Adna was runner up.

Wirkkala made 18 kills and served 18 points for the Mules, and Land added 14 kills and 17 points.

"Evelyn (Clark) gave us a big lift with her best match of the year," Rooklidge said. "She led the team with 20 service points and served out each of the last three games to help us get the wins. She also added four kills and four blocks. Ashley (Helms) led us with digs and played good all-around defense."