Volleyball

by Parker Landsman, Alyssa Johns and Katarina Schiller

It is fall and that means it’s volleyball season. Although it is our last year in the high school gym, it has been incredible to witness the team grow in both skill and connectedness. This year we have an awesome and unique group of girls of all ages and abilities.

Volleyball provides students with a perfect outlet for channeling emotions. It is a space where we can let the stress and drama of high school go, and focus all our energy into the game. At practice, we push ourselves to our max.

Each day we dive a little deeper, run a little faster and jump a little higher. Although we will always miss the seniors that graduated in 2018, the freshmen have brought new energy and enthusiasm. In the month we have been playing, there is a noticeable improvement in skill. As the season continues, there is no doubt that the growth will continue.

Luckily, we have an amazing coaching staff to guide us on our journey. Both coaches, Rebekah Hardee and Maddie White, provide us with a warm and safe environment to practice. We can trust that every day, our coaches are just as committed to the sport as we are.

However, the best support comes from the Orcas Island community. The enthusiasm from the fans motivates us to keep working hard and hustle for every ball. We always love to hear the shouts and cheers from the stands and ask that everyone please come to support the Lady Vikings Volleyball team this season.

Our upcoming home games include Granite Falls at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29; La Conner at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4; and Friday Harbor at 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15.

Vikings soccer

by Levi Moss

The Vikings’ boys soccer team picked up their first home win of the season last Tuesday against Lopez Island High School with a 10-0 victory.

The team is looking really solid this year across the board. Offensively, we have already had 7 different players score a goal in the first few games. Lead by the attacking trio of Ethan White, August Groeninger and Daniel Keyes, our fast-paced attacking has really been paying off as opposing defenses have been overwhelmed wave after wave. Defensively, we have the fastest player in the state through, ‘The Irish Flash’, Ciaran O’Neill and one of the most dominant tacklers, whether it’s standing or sliding, in Dominick Wareham. And behind all of that, we have an incredible keeper, Kupono Anuenue, protecting the net. Overall, this is the strongest team I’ve ever played alongside, and we have put a lot of work into this season. There is still a lot of work to be done, but we hope we can accomplish something special this year.

The Vikings will take on Grace Academy at home on Thursday, Sept. 27, at 3 p.m. and will travel to Friday Harbor next Tuesday, Oct. 2, with a 4 p.m. kickoff.

Lady Vikings soccer

by Olivia Brunner-Gaydos

Lady Viking soccer has started the season with a bang. Two months ago, the question lingered, “Would there even be a Lady Viking soccer team this year?” It wasn’t clear that there were enough girls to field a team and the coach had yet to be named.

Chama Anderson was hired as the head coach and shortly thereafter 11 returning and five new players came together to form a team.

Starting with strengthening foundational skills including passing, ball handling and off-ball movement, these young women have grown into a solid group. Building from a foundation of love – for each other and for the game – the girls have built communication and connections and are working together as a cohesive force.

Starting the season off with a loss against Mount Vernon Christian, Sultan, and Friday Harbor did anything but crush the girls’ spirits. In fact, it motivated them to work harder.

Most recently the Lady Vikings battled the La Conner Braves and lost 4-0. Down a couple players due to injury and sickness, the team came out the first half strong and determined but as half-time neared the Braves took control and got 4 goals past the defense. Following the half, the team took back the field determined and powerful. They held the braves for the rest of the half and finished the game with pride.

Come cheer on our girls at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 26, as the Lady Vikings fight for victory against the Friday Harbor Wolverines on Dahl Field.