Mules fall short in district

The Wahkiakum Mules advanced to the final round in last Saturday's Class 2B volleyball tournament but failed in their effort to qualify for the state tournament.

The Mules opened their district tournament competition November 3 with a defeat of the Morton Huskies, 24-26, 26-24, 25-10 and 25-16.

"Blaine Land had a great match with 19 kills and Jordyn Wirkkala added 11," said Mule Coach Jeff Rooklidge. "Amy Gawith had seven kills, and Evelyn Clark had three critical stuff blocks. Halie Boyce had 31 assists and served well."

The win moved the Mules to second round competition on Saturday. The Mules opened with a 25-16, 25-22, 25-16 win over South Bend, the second place team from the Pacific League.

"Wirkkala had 10 kills," Rooklidge said. "Clark was a force at the net with seven stuff blocks. Land had 12 kills, and Boyce had 20 assists.

"Gawith led us with 11 service points, and Brieanna Olsen and Boyce both added eight service points. Ashley Helms and Brianne Helms both provided quality passing from the back row."

In the next round, the Mules lost 3-1 to Central League champion Toutle Lake, the eventual district champion. Scores were 25-11, 25-22, 22-25 and 25-17.

"Wirkkala had 19 kills, and Land added 10," Rooklidge said. "Clark had five kills, and Gawith added four.

"Boyce added 30 assists and ran the offense well. Clark had 17 touch blocks and four stuff blocks. Gawith and Land each had two stuff blocks."

The loss pitted the Mules and the Mossyrock Vikings in a match whose winner advanced to the state tournament, and the loser was out. The Vikings won 3-1.

"We won the first set by a score of 25-18," Rooklidge said. "We were up in the second set 20-15 and lost the momentum, eventually falling to Mossy by a score of 24-26. In the third set, both teams battled, with Mossy winning 23-25. Mossy won the match by a 25-19 score in the last set."

Wirkkala had 15 kills, and Land added 11. Clark made four kills, and Olsen added four kills and three stuff blocks.

"Helms played good defense and had 16 digs," Rooklidge said.

"Mossyrock is a tough team, and we battled them hard in each of the three matches this season. Hitting errors and service errors killed us in this last match.

"Seniors Jordyn Wirkkala, Ashlenn Coleman, Halie Boyce, Ashley Helms, Evelyn Clark, and Rebecka Patching provided great leadership this season and will be missed for their great play and spirit."