ONALASKA — In the fifth set of an elimination game in Onalaska on Saturday, Morton-White Pass found itself tied at six against Mossyrock.
Just nine points later, the Timberwolves’ season was over.
“We’re just super bummed,” Morton-White Pass coach Jamie Brazil said, struggling to find the words to describe the team’s emotions. “Disappointed. We feel like we could have done more.”
The T-Wolves battled against the Vikings, but came up short in a 25-23, 16-25, 18-25, 25-20, 6-15 loss.
“I feel like we’re two pretty matched teams,” Brazil said. “So I always enjoy that … It fell on their side tonight, but I do think we put in a good fight.”
The T-Wolves found themselves down 23-20 in the first set, but they were able to rattle off five straight points to take a 1-0 lead.
In the fourth set, they trailed by one just past the midway point, but scored three straight to take the lead. Later in the set, they led 20-19, and then scored five of the set’s final six points to force a fifth.
Ryelin Wiedenmann finished with 15 kills, 14 digs, and three blocks, Maila Armstrong finished with 20 digs, and Hayden Brazil added 14. Layna Sims dished out 29 assists, Chevy Fuller tallied 11 kills and three blocks, Brooklyn Montoure added nine kills, and Ryeligh Johnson logged six blocks and a pair of kills.
Sims, Montoure, and Karah Fairhart were all perfect from the service line.
“The girls played with heart and gave it everything they had,” Brazil said. “I’m so proud of their effort.”
It was a bittersweet ending to an up-and-down season, one where the Timberwolves finished even at 10-10 overall despite losing their setter, Crystal Dygert, to an injury.
Sams, a freshman, stepped in and helped fill that role.
“I feel like in years past, we wouldn’t have been able to push through,” Jamie Brazil said. “We were still able to, so that’s good.”
Jamie Brazil made sure to recognize her two seniors, Armstrong and Fairhart, who she has coached as both a volunteer and the head coach in each of their four high school seasons.
“They’ve meant so much to the program,” Jamie Brazil said. “They brought such a great attitude, hard work, and positive energy. I’m gonna miss them, and the team’s gonna miss them.”
Not only was it the final game for the pair of seniors, but it was also the final game for the MWP program. Next fall, both Morton and White Pass will field their own teams. Jamie Brazil is expected back as the Morton coach.
“I’m proud of them,” Jamie Brazil said of her group. “I’m proud of the hard work they’ve put in, and I already look forward to next season.”
Mossyrock played in a district quarterfinal against Onalaska later Saturday afternoon.
