Mule volleyballers sweep South Bend

Last week, the Mules volleyball team opened their season with a non-league win at home, then traveled to a tournament in Mossyrock and swept six teams in a morning round robin.

On September 11, the Mules played South Bend at home and won in three sets, 25-15, 25-21, 25-16.

Kaylee Bryant had four kills and three blocks. Baylee Olsen had four kills and was 100 percent from the serving line. Peyton Souvenir had 10 assists, Makenzie Anderson added two kills and Tori Wegdahl had four kills and four digs.

"It was a decent game for a season opener," Coach Kayli Hurley said. "We have things to work on, but overall not a bad start."

On September 13, the team traveled to a tournament in Mossyrock and played in a one set round robin against six teams.

The tournament was scheduled to last all day but teammates wanted to come home early to support friends and family at a service for a local woman, Brandi Knowles Thomas, who died recently.

The Mules won all six games that morning, beating South Bend 25-22, Morton White Pass 24-14, Rainier 25-13, Adna 25-10, Mossyrock 29-27 and Pe Ell 25-14.

"The big game of the day was against Mossyrock," Hurley said. "It was a fantastic team effort as we went point for point for the last third of the game. The enthusiasm and energy radiating off of the court and the bench was palpable and it was intensely fun. Peyton Souvenir, a sophomore, ended the game with a near miss ace that skipped just over the top of the net."

Olsen served nine aces and had 17 kills. Savannah Burdick had 15 digs and Grace Peacock had six digs. Morgan Elliott had 26 assists and four digs. Wegdahl had 13 kills and 13 digs.

"This day was a real team effort with all 11 girls contributing to our success," Hurley added. "It was fun to watch the gel start to form between the girls and hopefully this bodes well for our game at Ilwaco on Thursday."

The Mules travel to Ilwaco to face the Fishermen today (Thursday). They face Morton/White Pass on Tuesday at home.