Braves will rely on youth for volleyball this season

It was a back-to-work Monday morning this week for La Conner High School volleyball team players and coaches.

After a busy summer of team camps and open gyms, head coach Pam Keller, assistant Kamea Luna and a roster led by lone senior Addie Wigal were eager to hit the Landy James Activity Court hardwood by 9 a.m.

"We're very young this year," Keller said.

She guided the Braves to a state tourney berth last year in her first season as head coach.

"But this is a very coachable group," Keller said. "They've put a lot of time in this summer and they truly like being together on the volleyball court."

With the team chemistry box checked, the next column to address is big-match experience.

The 2B Braves will see larger school at the annual Burlington-Edison High School pre-season jamboree before opening at home at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10 opposite 1A Blaine.

La Conner launches the 2024 campaign minus recent graduates Morgan Huizenga, Abigail Udlock, and Natalie Koch.

Huizenga, a 5-foot-9 hitter, joined the Skagit Valley College net program this fall. Udlock will compete for the University of Puget Sound golf team in the spring.

Wigal, a 5-foot-6 defensive specialist, will be called upon this year for leadership skills and crisp passing. Keller has no doubt that Wigal is up to the task.

"She's a really good team leader," Keller said.

Wigal will be joined by juniors Maeve McCormick and Addison Keller plus a host of talented freshmen who made key contributions as eighth graders to La Conner's 2023 post-season run.

Maeve McCormick switched between middle blocking and outside hitting duties last season. Addison Keller, like Wigal, focused on defense and passing.

Nora McCormick, Reese Bird and Abigail Poulton logged varsity time as eighth graders for the Braves, who won seven of eight conference matches and finished 13-9 overall, including the state tournament trip to Yakima.

Nora McCormick floated between middle blocking and outside hitting. Poulton was primarily a middle hitter and Bird was a right-side hitter.

Coach Keller anticipates the 2024 La Conner team's strong suits being defense, passing and smart decision-making.

The Braves will once again play a strong non-league schedule along with traditional rivals Coupeville, Orcas Island, Friday Harbor and Mount Vernon Christian.