Good thing the games are played on the court and not in the newspaper.

The Oak Harbor High School volleyball team, picked to finish sixth in the Wesco 3A this season in the preseason coaches’ poll, knocked off Shorecrest, the team picked to finish first, 3-2 Thursday, Sept. 9, on the Scots’ court.

Unfortunately for the Wildcats, the match was a nonleague contest; the two teams will meet later this fall in a league match.

Oak Harbor won 26-24, 20-25, 25-16, 14-25, 16-14.

Wildcat coach Kerri Molitor said, “As a team we played incredible defense; our defense did it.” She added, “If we could have reduced our offensive errors, it would have been a much easier match.”

Molitor also praised the play of her bench: “Everyone contributed.” She noted that substitute Christina Alexander served consistently well and added strong play on the back line.

Kelsey Terrazas-Cooley topped the defense with 35 digs and Janine DeGuzman added 22.

Jordan Faralan dished out 36 assists, helping Roshel Muzzall record 12 kills and Katelyn Bristow 10. DeGuzman served four aces.

The Wildcats (2-0) travel to Yakima this weekend for the SunDome Festival and then host Lake Stevens (1-0) Thursday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. in the home opener.