Falcons fall 1 match short of state tournament / Volleyball

By Jim Waller • November 5, 2018 1:30 am
Kayla Knauer (white jersey) sets up to pass the ball as Emma Hodson (11), Emma Leggett (12), Alyssa Ludtke (2) and Maya Tschetter look on.(Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)
Kayla Knauer (white jersey) sets up to pass the ball as Emma Hodson (11), Emma Leggett (12), Alyssa Ludtke (2) and Maya Tschetter look on. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

After blanking the Northwest School 3-0 Saturday, Nov. 3, in the bi-district volleyball tournament at Meridian High School, South Whidbey couldn’t get by second-ranked Lynden Christian and was eliminated one win from a state berth.

The Falcons, the No. 4 seed out of District 1, stopped Northwest, the No. 3 seed out of District 2, 25-13, 25-15, 25-15.

Megan Leonard pounded five kills in the first game to get the Falcons off to a strong start.

In the second set with the score tied at 9-9, South Whidbey went on a 9-0 run as Kayla Knauer served.

From there, South Whidbey, behind hitters Emma Leggett and Emma Hodson, continued to attack Northwest and secure the match.

Leggett registered 10 kills and Hodson five, and Leonard finished with seven.

Hodson added two blocks and two aces.

Chloe Johnson tallied 25 assists and three aces.

Coach Mandy Jones called the victory a “nice win” and a “good warmup” for the Lynden Christian match.

The Lyncs (15-3), however, were able to stop South Whidbey 3-0 and claim the state tournament berth.

Leggett had nine kills and seven digs, and Angelina Wilson added 16 digs.

South Whidbey finished the season with a 12-9 record.

Allie Brady swats a free ball over the net for the Falcons. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Allie Brady swats a free ball over the net for the Falcons. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Adrianna Briggs (24) blocks a Northwest shot.(Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Adrianna Briggs (24) blocks a Northwest shot. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Emma Hodson, center, tips past the Northwest defense.(Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Emma Hodson, center, tips past the Northwest defense. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Chloe Johnson sets up the South Whidbey offense.(Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Chloe Johnson sets up the South Whidbey offense. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Kamryn Wilson goes on the attack for South Whidbey.(Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Kamryn Wilson goes on the attack for South Whidbey. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Emma Leggetts leaps for a kill attempt.(Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Emma Leggetts leaps for a kill attempt. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Megan Leonard hits by the block of Northwest’s Melat Feseha.(Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Megan Leonard hits by the block of Northwest’s Melat Feseha. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Allysa Ludtke watches as her hit flies over the net.(Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Allysa Ludtke watches as her hit flies over the net. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Emma Hodson (11) and Emma Leggett (center) joke about Leggett’s previous hit.(Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Emma Hodson (11) and Emma Leggett (center) joke about Leggett’s previous hit. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Maya Tschetter launches a serve for the Falcons.(Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Maya Tschetter launches a serve for the Falcons. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Angelina Wilson passes in the win over Northwest.(Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)

Angelina Wilson passes in the win over Northwest. (Photo by Jim Waller/South Whidbey Record)