VB 2011-11-03 vs Glacier Peak

Last Thursday, the Wildcat volleyball team met up with the Glacier Peak Grizzlies for the third time this season, and for the third time this season, it was a 5-game nailbiter. Adding to the stress was that the winner would move on for a possible trip to the state tournament, the losers would have their season end.

Game one was tight early, but halfway through the Grizzlies took control by going on a 6-1 run and winning 25-15.

The Wildcats grabbed an early 3-0 lead in game 2, but GP tied it at 4. Later, Oak Harbor had a small 9-6 lead until setter Taylor Nienhuis went to the service line and built the lead to 13-6. Game 2 ended with OH on top 25-18, tying the match at 1 game each.

Game 3 seemed like it would never end. Neither team had much of a lead, but two late kills by Glacier Peak gave them game three 32-30.

OH lead for almost all of game four, and although GP closed late, kills by Kelsey Rankin and Janine DeGuzman made it 25-21 for the Wildcats and again tying the match.

In the 5th and deciding game, OH came out flat and never really got going, especially since they were without Roshel Muzzall, who left game 4 with a knee injury. Glacier Peak won game five 15-7, eliminating Oak Harbor from the District Tournament. Glacier Peak went on to win all of their matches on Saturday and will go to the state tournament along with Meadowdale.

The Wildcats had a very successful season, finishing with a 9-2 record in league play, coming in second place, and 11-6 overall.

While the 'Cats are losing Christina Alexander, Lizzy Chase and Janine DeGuzman to graduation, the team will return juniors Taylor Nienhuis, Hannah Salmons, Amanda Pavey, Roshel Muzzall, Ally McGuire and Kelsey Rankin along with 6-2 sophomore Kayleigh Harper. The team also expects Ashley Johnston, Stephanie Milliron and Hannah Christensen to move up from the JV squad.

Video highlights are HERE

Over 100 photos are HERE.