by Declan O’Malley
Sounder contributor
The Orcas Island High School boys’ soccer team extended its unbeaten streak to six matches to start the season. In their first match of the week on Sept. 23, the Vikings earned a 1-1 draw at home against Mount Vernon Christian — their first tie of the year.
They followed that performance with an explosive road win on Sept. 26, defeating La Conner 8-0 to improve their record to 5-0-1.
“The La Conner game was competitive in the first half, but we had solid possession of the ball, and our team gained momentum in the second half with another 8-0 game,” said Hayes Richardson, a junior on the boys’ soccer team. “We have great team chemistry this year, and the underclassmen have integrated really well into the team already. This is going to be a great year and a great season! Go Vikings!”
The girls’ soccer team faced a tough test against undefeated Lopez Island High School on Sept. 23. Despite a strong first-half effort, the Vikings ultimately fell 8-0.
“I am simply delighted the high school girls soccer program is back,” said head coach Chama Anderson. “This was a wave of effort beginning from players in the Hummingbird Soccer Program through to the high schoolers working diligently on the proposal to present to the School Board, to the Coaches, AD and community support to make this happen. We now have the largest team of 22 in the history of the program, as well as a strong showing of 12 middle school-age players.”
The Orcas Island High School volleyball team holds an overall record of 3-7 and a league record of 1-2. On Sept. 23, the Vikings earned a decisive 3-1 home victory over Concrete.
“Tonight’s win was a great example of our team’s grit and togetherness — the players trusted each other, stayed aggressive, and had fun competing.’ said head coach Mallory Balcomb. “This is senior Vera Sasan’s fourth and final year playing for the Vikings’ varsity volleyball team, and she has been playing volleyball since 6th grade. She works hard in practice, celebrates her teammates and has become a steady presence on the court.”
The team faced consecutive road losses later in the week, falling 3-1 to Forks on September 26 and being swept 3-0 by Neah Bay on September 27.
“I also want to recognize my assistant coaches: Nikki Hawley has stepped up as the Assistant Varsity coach and the JV coach, and she has been invaluable. Nikki, along with Lisa Rios, Hank Date,and Katie Spinner, brings a fresh perspective, steady support, and helps our athletes feel seen and valued,” said Balcomb.
The Orcas Island High School cross-country team hosted the Northwest 1B/2B League Invite on Sept. 24, welcoming Coupeville, Friday Harbor, and Evangel High Schools.
In the boys’ varsity 5,000-meter race, OIHS finished second behind Evangel. Kai Park placed fifth, and Kai Gilliam followed closely in sixth. Additional Viking finishes included Tomasi Malo (20:30), Gabriel Chapman (20:37.31), and Max Peterson (34:31.09).
Later that week, the Vikings traveled to Shoreline to compete in the 18th annual King’s Cross Invite on Sept. 27. Park earned second place, and Malo finished fourth in the junior varsity boys’ 3-mile race.
Cienna Richardson contributed quotes to this piece.
