After losing 3-0 to visiting Ferndale Tuesday, Sept. 5, in the initial match of the season, the Oak Harbor High School volleyball team bounced back to defeat Cedarcrest 3-0 in Duvall the following evening.
Next up for the Wildcats (1-1) is the Wesco opener when Meadowdale (0-1) visits at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14.
Ferndale 3, Oak Harbor 0
The Golden Eagles used a similar pattern — a strong finish — in each game to win the match 25-21, 25-19, 25-18.
Oak Harbor fell behind 12-4 in the first set, then with the help of four Cami Bristow aces, took a 16-15 lead.
The teams were tied at 21, then Ferndale scored four straight points to claim the game.
In the second set, Oak Harbor led 15-14 before the Golden Eagles went on a 11-4 run for the win.
The Wildcats built a three-point lead, 18-15, in the third game, then Ferndale finished the match with a 10-0 blitz.
“We just need to be more consistent and not have any mental lapses,” Oak Harbor coach Kerri Molitor said. “We definitely have some weaknesses we can work on.
“It’s good to see a tough team in the first match; it’s good to have tough competition early in the season.”
Ferndale is one of the region’s top programs, qualifying for the state 3A tournament the past four years.
Molitor also saw some good things Tuesday: “I liked the hustle. They all seem to like each other and have fun together. We just have to put that trust into good things on the court.”
Hailee Blau led the Wildcats with 11 kills; Bristow finished with six aces and 10 digs; and Cierra Dean recorded 15 digs.
Oak Harbor 3, Cedarcrest 0
The Wildcats beat the Red Wolves 25-23, 25-16, 25-18.
Oak Harbor overcame a raucous crowd to collect the non-league win.
“The gym was loud,” Molitor said, but her team handled the pressure and picked up the win.
Samantha Hines tips for a point for the Wildcats. (Photo by John Fisken)
Andrea Ruben sets for Oak Harbor in the Ferndale match. (Photo by John Fisken)
Oak Harbor’s Kristina Tirado serves Tuesday. (Photo by John Fisken)
