Oak Harbor puts away Arlington | Volleyball

In a steady performance, the Oak Harbor High School volleyball team methodically put away visiting Arlington 3-0 Monday, Sept. 17.

The Wildcats never trailed in the 25-17, 25-16, 25-18 win over the Eagles (1-4).

Oak Harbor (2-2) now faces two more 4A foes this week before starting Wesco 3A North action. The Wildcats go to Snohomish at 7 p.m. Tuesday. The Panthers started the season ranked among the state's top 10 but have posted a disappointing 1-3 record. Thursday, 3-1 Lake Stevens comes to Oak Harbor at 7 p.m.

In game one against Arlington, two aces and a kill by Roshel Muzzall helped Oak Harbor spurt to a 7-1 lead.

In the second set, the two teams were tied at 8, then with a 16-12 lead, Clair Anderson chipped in with an ace and kill to spur a 5-0 run that put the game away.

Oak Harbor raced to a 14-5 lead in game three before the Eagles narrowed the gap to 17-14. The Wildcats scored six straight points behind two aces and two kills by Kayleigh Harper to regain control.

Muzzall finished with eight kills, 11 digs and three aces; Harper eight kills and 10 digs; Taylor Nienhuis 28 assists; and Stephanie Milliron seven digs.

Oak Harbor displayed its depth as coach Kerri Molitor started a different lineup in each game and used her entire squad throughout the match. Nine different players recorded kills.

Molitor liked the team's flexibility and continuity of play despite the lineup shuffling.

She admitted it is tough for the players to get comfortable when there is no set lineup and it can hamper each player's confidence.

"That's what we are working on, trying to build confidence," Molitor said. "We are starting to jell."

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

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