Mule netters win two league matches

The Wahkiakum Mule volleyball team won two Central League matches this week and placed third in a tournament on Saturday.

On Tuesday, the Mules beat visiting Morton/White Pass 25-21, 25-22, 23-25, 25-17.

"It was a good match; Morton/White Pass is a well-coached team," Mule Coach Jeff Rooklidge said.

Blain Land and Amy Gawith each scored on eight hits. Caitlin Nicolazzi made eight blocks and had three kills; and Brieanna Olsen had three blocks.

"Haylee Budd made 12 assists; she and Brieanna set the ball very well for the hitters," Rooklidge said.

The Mules rallied from two games down to defeat the Napavine Tigers last Thursday in Napavine.

"We won the match 22-25, 15-25, 25-22, 26-24, and 15-10," Rooklidge said. "Napavine had us on the ropes, leading the match up by two sets, and the girls dug deep and mounted a nice comeback to get the win in five sets.

"Brieanna and Madison LaBerge came up with some big blocks in the last two sets that helped turn the match in our favor."

Land led the team in kills with 12. Nicolazzi provided a big boost with three crucial aces in the last two sets, Rooklidge said, and Gawith had nine kills and did a nice job of shot placement.

"Haylee and Brieanna worked hard and helped lead the team with assists," he said.

The Mules placed third in the Raymond Invitational last Saturday.

"We beat Tacoma Baptist 24-26, 25-10 and 15-9 in bracket play, and then were eliminated by NW Christian 25-23, 17-25, and 4-15," Rooklidge said.

Land had 26 kills for the day, and Gawith had 19. Nicolazzi had nine blocks; Budd had five. Brieanna Olsen served well throughout the day, Rooklidge said.

The Mules are at Pe Ell tonight (Thursday). They entertain Toutle Lake next Tuesday and Winlock on October 7.