La Conner netters sweep league foes

The COVID-19 pandemic has scuttled post-season action, but the La Conner High volleyball team is playing like another state title is on the line.

Lady Braves head coach Suzanne Marble, who has guided the program to five state crowns, would not have it any other way.

The two-time defending state champions swept NW2B rivals Coupeville and Concrete in straight-set decisions last week.

La Conner bested Coupeville 25-15, 25-7, 25-9 in a key road test last Tuesday against the former Class A Lady Wolves, who moved back to the NW2B ranks this year. It had been more than a decade since the two teams had last met.

The Lady Braves improved to 4-0 Wednesday night with a 25-20, 25-8, 25-17 victory at Concrete, a match in which La Conner was tested more than at any point in the campaign thus far.

The close first set, however, gave way to more comfortable margins afterward as La Conner enjoyed major contributions from several players.

Sarah Cook set the tone with a perfect night at the service stripe, putting all 23 of her attempts in play. She was solid all over the floor, in fact, registering 15 digs, 10 kills, four assists and two blocks.

Emma Keller ignited the La Conner attack with 21 assists and added nine digs. Libero Rachel Cram anchored the defense with 21 digs.

Ellie Marble dominated the net with 25 kills and showed her versatility by chipping in a dozen digs.

Marble posted similar numbers at Coupeville, finishing with 14 kills and 17 digs.

Keller, meanwhile, distributed a team-best 28 assists while Cook again filled the stat sheet with 16 digs, seven kills and five service aces.

Looking to remain unbeaten, La Conner was scheduled to entertain Mount Vernon Christian in a late Tuesday (April 20) match at Landy James Gym.

In another high school sports note:

• The Lady Braves soccer team fell 4-0 at Coupeville on Wednesday in their season debut. La Conner resumed its girls’ soccer schedule with an April 20 clash opposite Mount Vernon Christian.