Ilwaco middle school splits with South Bend, NaselleILWACO – The Ilwaco middle school eighth graders swept Naselle Wednesday by scores of 25-13, 26-23 and 15-11 in a match in which Coach Mike Hardin said, “The entire team played very well.” He had special praise for McKenzie Stockfleth’s passing and Alexa Wirkkala’s consistent and powerful serving. The eighth grade is now 4-4 on the season with the win.

Monday they visited South Bend and lost in heart-breaking fashion 15-13 in the deciding third game after winning game one 25-19 and dropping game two 25-20. Sadi Jump had “some nice passes from the back row” and Sydney Ward “had her best serves of the year,” according to Hardin.

Ilwaco seventh graders lost the opening game to South Bend 25-13, won the second 25-20 but came up short 15-9 in the tie-breaking third game.

“This was our best match of the season,” Coach Devon Phelps said. “Carly Kitzman was the star player and led the team to victory in game two with her serves and all-around hustle.”

Naselle knocked off the seventh grade by edging Ilwaco 25-23 and 15-11 after Ilwaco had won the first game 25-18. Katie Powell made some “great passes” and Logan Manecke was “our best server tonight” according to Phelps.

Ilwaco eighth grade sweeps Raymond, seventh grade splits ILWACO – The Ilwaco seventh graders were the come-back kids as they dropped their first game against Valley Oct. 25, 25-19, but turned the tables to beat the young Vikings by the same score in game two. Valley then forfeited the third game and the match according to Coach Devon Phelps who had praise for the serves of Carly Kitzman and the overall “hustle and communication” of her young team.

Oct. 30 Ilwaco seventh graders lost two games to Raymond 25-15 and 25-11 and pulled out the third contest 17-15 as Hailee Henington and Kitzman served very well Phelps said.

The eighth grade won three straight against the young Gulls 25-19, 25-17, and 15-11. Coach Mike Hardin said, “Esmeralda Pacheco played great at the setter position with lots of good sets from the front row.” He also had praise for the strong serving of Alexa Wirkkala.