Teammates mob Graciela Cano for hugs on Saturday, before the varsity volleyball match against Petersburg. Along with fellow seniors Alex Angerman, Makena Hammer and Alyssa Martin, it would be the last home game for Cano.
It's anyone's ball as Helen Decker scrambles with two Petersburg attackers Saturday evening.
Wrangell high school finished off its regular volleyball season exchanging venues with Petersburg over the weekend.
On Friday the girls headed to Petersburg for three best-of-five games, the first two played by both schools' junior varsity squads. Wrangell's JV won both best-of matches, bringing their last weekend of the season to a good end.
"They were able to improve throughout the season," commented coach Jessica Whitaker. In particular, she noted the team's improvements in serving and passing, and overall cohesion as a unit.
Division leader Petersburg won its varsity sets Friday evening, and both teams headed to Wrangell for a second day of match-ups. Wrangell's JV continued its winning streak from the previous day with its early game Saturday, winning three of four sets.
Petersburg's JV was able to turn things around in the following match, pulling ahead for a 25-20 win in the first set after a tie-up at 18. The second set was even more closely contested, about tied up from 16 points on through to the end, when Petersburg was able to pull a 28-26 win over Wrangell. The visiting team ran away with it in the third set, finishing game four with a win.
"I think that the girls played really well," said Whitaker.
Before the start of the varsity game, the team took time to recognize four of its outgoing class of seniors. Alex Angerman, Makena Hammer, Graciela Cano and Alyssa Martin all were presented flowers, gifts, and hugs by their teammates during what was their last home game for the year.
In her remarks, Whitaker noted several were among the last she had coached during her time with Stikine Middle School's volleyball program. Parents were invited down to share in the moment as well, making for a touching evening.
"It was great to be able to involve the community, and get to see them all excited heading into regionals," the coach commented afterward.
Wrangell's varsity players will be headed into Region V with an additional loss to Petersburg from Saturday, after starting off the match with a closely played first set.
Whitaker noted junior Kayla Hay and freshman Kaylyn Easterly performed well during the evening, effectively passing balls from the back zone and keeping up a good energy.
On this year's arrangement with Petersburg, where both communities trade off hosting games during their two scheduled weekends, Whitaker thought it was worth repeating next season.
"I think it worked really well for both of our teams," she commented. The players seemed better rested, and the exchange gave parents in both towns the option to see their girls' progress over the course of the season.
The girls head next to Region V in Craig on December 2, after seeding the fourth spot during the 2A North tournament in Skagway on November 12 and 13. State will be held in Anchorage December 8 to 10.
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