Lady Brave netter receives statewide recognition

Matty Lagerwey is leading the way.

The La Conner High junior middle blocker was named recipient of a Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Athlete of the Week award for her play at the Mount Vernon Invitational Tournament and in recent NW2B matches.

Lagerwey recorded 20 digs, 11 kills, and two aces in conference wins over Friday Harbor and Orcas Island.

The numbers she posted against 2A and 3A foes at the Mount Vernon tourney were equally – if not, more –impressive still.

She was 35 of 38 serving, with 10 aces, delivered 48 kills, had 33 digs and rang up six blocks to help lead the Lady Braves to the semifinals, a run highlighted by wins over Meadowdale and Everett.

La Conner head coach Suzanne Marble later credited Lagerwey with having taken control of play at the net, especially in her club’s hard-fought 2-1 triumph against 3A Everett.

“Matty played some of the best volleyball of her career,” Marble said.

Lagerwey and the Lady Braves improved to 8-1 before resuming conference action, a stint that saw La Conner win twice more in straight-sets verdicts over Concrete and Mount Vernon Christian.

Nominees for the WIAA Athlete of the Week award are varsity players who must maintain a good academic standing. One recipient per sport in each enrollment classification is chosen statewide. Lagerwey was the 2B volleyball selection.

The weekly WIAA program recognizes athletes who exhibit an outstanding performance in their respective sports.

For Lagerwey, a returning first unit All-League selection, both her stats and intangibles fit the bill.

“She’ll be a big force for us,” Marble correctly predicted prior to the start of the season, “on both the front and back rows.”