Hammer sparks offense in Coupeville win | Volleyball

It was the "Hailey Hammer Show," according to Coupeville High School volleyball coach Toni Crebbin, as the Wolves earned their first win of the season 3-1 at Port Townsend in a nonleague match Saturday, Sept. 15.

Coupeville, lacking offensive punch, opened the season with a trio of 3-0 losses. Sophomore middle Hammer reversed that trend by ripping 18 kills and three aces against the Redskins, then helped the defense with two stuff blocks.

Crebbin said Hammer "did a good job" making adjustments reading Port Townsend blockers.

Hammer's efforts helped lead the Wolves to the 21-25, 25-15, 25-15, 25-20 win.

Hammer wasn't the only offensive weapon as Megan Oakes dished out 30 assists and Madeline Strasburg added seven kills.

Crebbin said, "It felt good to see us run our offense."

She added, "We ran a lot of quick stuff off free balls. It was nice to see us execute what we worked on in practice."

Bessie Walstad paced the defense with 30 digs.

After losing the first game, the Wolves dominated the remainder of the match, Crebbin said.

"Everyone played," she said, "and helped pull out the win."

Coupeville (0-3, 1-3) gets back into Cascade Conference play at 7 p.m. at Sultan (0-3) Tuesday, Sept. 18.

Contact Whidbey News Times Sports editor Jim Waller at jwaller@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5060.

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