Mules volleyball: individuals shine, even as team struggles

Despite more losses, the Wahkiakum Mules volleyball team continues to find ways to shine as the season winds to a close.

On October 5, the team traveled to Rainier and lost in three sets, 25-6, 25-9, and 25-15.

Coach Kayli Hurley praised Amriah Abdul-Kariem for strong offensive play and Makayla Davis for great hustle and strong serves from the service line.

On October 10, the Mules hosted Toledo and lost in three sets, 25-19, 25-16, and 25-8.

Standouts that night included Zaya Ray and Sam Dela Cruz with two aces each; Abdul-Kariem and Jessie Lafever had six and five digs respectively, with Kariem putting up three kills.

Last Thursday, the Mules lost in three sets to Toutle Lake, but scores were not available.

On Monday, “we played a very beatable Willapa Valley but lost in three due to a lack of consistency in energy and ball play,” Hurley said.

Abdul-Kariem had eight kills; Lizzie Kolditz and Hailee Nielsen had three kills each; Genevieve Fleming and Ray had two kills each; Reese Long put up a kill; Kolditz executed two stuff blocks.

“Davis had three aces and ran the offense consistently,” Hurley said. “Lafever had nine digs and Abdul-Kariem had four.”

At Adna on Tuesday, the Mules lost in three.

“Adna has a strong team,” Hurley said. “We played well but had trouble stopping their serves and offensive weapons.”

Three games remain during the regular season. The Mules host Winlock today, and travel to Kalama on Monday. Their final game against Morton/White Pass will be in front of a home crowd.