Netters drop hard-fought, five-set match with Orcas

Too bad close doesn’t count in volleyball.

At least that’s the way La Conner High School net fans felt after NW2B/1B rival Orcas Island, led by junior middle blocker/outside hitter Sofia Jauregui, edged the Braves in a hard-fought five set Homecoming Week match at Landy James Gym Oct. 24.

Jauregui delivered a team-high 18 kills and added nine digs and three blocks as the Vikings posted a 25-20, 23-25, 25-19, 19-25, 15-8 triumph over the hosts.

With the win, Orcas improved to 9-7 on the season. La Conner slipped to 11-8 going into Monday night’s non-league set with Evergreen of Seattle.

Coach Pam Keller’s charges resume home non-conference play tonight (Wednesday) when they welcome 3A foe Sedro-­Woolley in a 7 p.m. match.

Against Orcas, freshmen Abi Poulton (11) and Nora McCormick (10) recorded double-digit kills to pace the attack. Maeve McCormick added eight kills for the Braves.

Freshman Reese Bird notched four service aces to lead the team. Senior Addison Wigal posted three aces.

Poulton and the McCormick sisters chipped in two aces apiece. Addison Keller contributed an ace to go with 16 digs.

Bird (18), Nora McCormick (13), Poulton (13), Wigal (11) and Maeve McCormick (10) likewise posted double-digit digs.

Bird had a team-high 30 assists.

Izzy Villard and Mia Delage logged three kills each while Aaliyah Gonzalez had a kill and a pair of digs for La Conner.

Following their current homestand, the Braves play at Mount Vernon Christian at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5.