Lady Mules secure spot at state, finish district play on Saturday

The Wahkiakum Mules volleyball team secured a spot at the state tournament after winning two loser out matches on Wednesday.

In the first round of play, the Lady Mules faced Northwest Christian and won in four sets, 24-26, 25-14, 25-19, and 25-20.

“We started a bit slow, but were able to work back into our groove,” Coach Kayli Hurley said. “Standouts were Peyton Souvenir with 32 assists, 13 digs and eight kills; Makenzie Anderson, with eight kills; Kennedi LaBerge and Grace Peacock who pitched in seven kills apiece; Macie Elliott put up five kills; Savannah Burdick put up 18 digs and was 100 percent from the service line.”

With the win, the team moved forward in the brackets and faced Friday Harbor. The Lady Mules won in three, 25-23, 25-14, and 25-23.

“This match was a great overall performance with both sides of our game being very efficient,” Hurley said.

She singled out Peacock, who had 10 kills and three aces; Souvenir, who had 31 assists; Anderson who had eight kills and seven digs; and LaBerge, who had seven kills.

“Tyra Elliott made some great defensive plays covering our vulnerable spots and was very efficient on serve receive,” Hurley said.

She took a moment to acknowledge the bench.

“All year, our bench has been a vital part of our momentum, energy and ultimate success,” Hurley said. “The contribution from them tonight was priceless.”

The team travels to Raymond on Saturday, to face Napavine at 10 a.m. They are guaranteed a trip to state, but the last two matches on Saturday determine their place at district as well as their place in the bracket for state play.