By NATHAN WHALEN

Special to the News-Times

Thanks to a victory against Stanwood Nov. 2 in the play-in round, Oak Harbor’s volleyball team advanced to the quarterfinals of the District 1, 3A tournament.

The Wildcats traveled to Stanwood and topped the Spartans 3-1, winning 25-20, 25-23, 26-28, and 25-14.

“They are just playing well as a team. They are contributing in different ways,” volleyball coach Kerri Molitor said.

Junior Karen Salinger led the Wildcats in kills with 19. Senior Adriana Lawrence had 15 kills and seven blocks, senior Gracie Cecka had 42 assists and 17 digs, senior Jasmine Phillips had 20 digs and senior Johanna Daggett had six aces, Molitor said.

Up next for the Wildcats is a road trip to Lynnwood for their quarterfinal matchup. Lynnwood, who is undefeated and is 3A’s third-ranked team in the state, has lost two sets all season.

Molitor noted that records start over in the postseason.

“We start fresh in districts. We’re in the same boat,” Molitor said. “All we can really do is control what we are doing.”

The game at Lynnwood High School began at 7 p.m. Nov. 7, which is after the Whidbey News-Times went to press. Two finalists in the District 1 tournament, as well as the winners of two consolation finals qualify for the state meet, which takes place Nov. 17 and 18 at the Yakima Valley SunDome.

Oak Harbor competed in the district tournament in 2022 and was eliminated by Lynnwood, Molitor said.

“We are taking it one match at a time, one set at a time, and one play at a time,” Molitor said.