Volleyball team wins league opener

The new-look La Conner High School volleyball team, sporting a revamped lineup following heavy graduation losses from last year’s state 2B championship roster, has not lost sight of the immediate task at hand.

Which is to collect as many NW2B/1B match triumphs as possible.

So far, the Lady Braves (2-4 overall) have checked that box.

The team, which dropped early non-league contests with 1A Meridian and Lynden Christian, 1B Neah Bay and 4A Glacier Peak, has won the match that counts most – a straight-sets sweep of conference rival Concrete Sept. 14. Coach Pam Keller’s charges also own a non-conference victory over Toppenish.

The Lady Braves put their 1-0 NW2B/1B ledger on the line against Coupeville at Landy James Gym last night.

La Conner entered that date paced by senior hitter Morgan Huizenga, who has averaged just over four kills per set, senior setter Abby Udlock, whose 55 assists have ignited the team’s attack and sophomore defensive specialist Addison Keller, who has recorded 86 digs and leads the team in service aces.

La Conner was looking to avenge an abbreviated three-set defeat to Coupeville at the South Whidbey Invitational Tournament, where they lost 2-1 (23-25, 25-15, 12-18) in a meeting not counted in league standings. Coupeville was led at the tourney by Grey Peabody and Mia Farris, who registered 24 and 22 kills, respectively and Madison McMillian, who logged 46 digs.

The Lady Braves resume action tonight (Wednesday) when they visit 2A Sedro-Woolley for a 7 p.m. match.

La Conner returns to NW2B/1B play at home tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. opposite Friday Harbor and Oct. 3 against Orcas Island.

Farris, who registered 24 and 22 kills, respectively and Madison McMillian, who logged 46 digs.