Viking sports coverage

On Sept. 17, the Lady Vikings Volleyball team began their season with a loss against league powerhouse LaConner, 3-0.

On Sept. 17, the Lady Vikings Volleyball team began their season with a loss against league powerhouse LaConner, 3-0.

“We started the regular season with a loss to LaConner,” said Coach Rebekah Hardee. “Bethany Hansen’s solid serving and consistent passing along with superb play by Katy Minnis helped us kept up with them in the first set. I was very proud of my girls, they played hard to the end and never gave up.”

The Vikings play Friday Harbor, Concrete and Coupeville this week.

On Sept. 19, the Viking cross country team competed at South Whidbey High School.

“The kids have all improved and are a great deal faster than when we started off a month ago,” said Coach Steve Hohman.  “We had five runners that ran their first mile under their personal season best: Millie Kau, Brother Murphy, Michael Chesher, Cyrus Amour and Stephen Hohman Jr.  We hope to see improvement on a week to week basis.”

On Sept, 10, the boys Viking Soccer team opened the season with a loss 4-0 against last year’s state champions, Mt. Vernon Christian.

“We knew it would be a tough and physical game,” said Head coach Matt Stolmeier. “We played well and maintained more possession. Unfortunately, about 20 minutes into the game senior Wylie Kau suffered a knee injury from a reckless challenge which put him out for the remainder of the game.  Our defense proved strong through most of the game.”

On Sept. 12, the Vikings won their home opener against Lopez 5-0 and on Sept. 15, continued winning with a 3-1 victory over Cedar Park Christian.

The boys soccer team plays Shoreline Christian, Grace Academy and Friday Harbor this week.

On Sept. 15, the Lady Vikings soccer team played a strong game against Mt. Vernon Christian in a 2-1 loss.

A Hurricane corner kick lobbed in front of the Viking goal was knocked in for the first goal 5 minutes into the first half, but a Mt. Vernon Christian penalty in their goalie box lead to a Viking penalty kick by Adia Dolan, evening the score 1-1.

With 28 minutes remaining in the second half, the Vikings let a Hurricane forward slip by the defense for the lead goal, making the score 2-1, but disciplined play by the Vikings shut down the formidable Hurricane offense the remainder of the game.  Despite the loss, it was a moral victory for the Vikings as the Orcas Ladies displayed one of the strongest performances against one of the best teams in the league.

The Vikings play LaConner, Friday Harbor and Coupeville this week.

The Vikings football team lost 40-38 in a league slugfest with Concrete Friday night under the lights at the Lions’ field.

“We started out the first quarter with three turnovers, which turned into 16 points for the Lions,” said Coach Justin Frausto. “A Viking fumble recovery by Ricky De Anda turned the momentum for us which lead to a Miles Harlow to Cameron Aragon touchdown. After an Ivan Bullock fumble recovery, we drove the field scored on a Vinny Kramer touchdown run, ending the first quarter tied 16-16.”

In the second quarter Frausto said Harlow had a pivotal interception which led to a touchdown pass to Pasha Bullock, giving the Vikings the edge at half 24-16. The teams traded touchdowns in the third quarter. With about 3:30 left in the game, the Lions had fought back, but still trailed 38-32. But Concrete scored again with 54 seconds remaining and completed the two point conversion, giving the Lions the lead, 40-38. Undaunted, the Vikings’ hurry up offense moved the ball to the Lions’ 3-yard line, but fell just short after a game ending interception.

“Our team played its heart out,” said Frausto. “The game had everything; the ups, downs, highs and lows.”

The Vikings play a non-league away game this week against Tacoma Baptist.