Mules lose to Tigers, defeat South Bend

The Wahkiakum Mules volleyball team split non-league games this week with a loss at home and a win on the road.

Last Thursday, in their first home game of the season, the Lady Mules faced a tough Napavine team and lost in three sets, 13-25, 8-25, and 20-25.

"We couldn't find a solid rhythm tonight," Coach Kayli Hurley said. "We had short spurts of great things and a pretty solid third set, but just couldn't find solid footing and put together our defensive and offensive sides of the ball."

Hurley praised freshman M.J. Neves for "stellar serving and some big kills in the third set." Hurley also commended other standouts, senior setter Grayci Thomas for her overall performance, and Mckensi Fluckiger, for serve receive.

On Tuesday, the Mules traveled to South Bend and won in five sets, 20-25, 25-15, 25-18, 15-25, and 15-11.

"We are growing together as a team each time we face adversity," Hurley said, "and the girls are continually learning what works for us as a team."

Hurley complimented several players including Charlie Ashe, who had two kills and "some big digs," Thomas for her "beautiful setting in clutch situations," and Jansi Merz for "aggressive serving." Ellie Leitz had seven kills, Macie Elliott had five, and Fluckiger had 21 digs.

The Mules face Ilwaco at home tonight (Thursday).