Bellingham, WA -  Whatcom Orcas hosted the NWAC North Region Challenge at Whatcom Community College over the weekend.  The Orcas hosted along with Skagit Valley College over two days in the (Pavilion) Student Recreation Center   

On Friday, Whatcom started the tournament by upsetting #8 ranked Yakima Valley in five sets (27-25, 25-11, 19-25, 25-23, and 15-9).   Freshman Carly Rupp (Mukilteo, WA – Kamiak H.S.), who was celebrating her birthday, ended up with 9 kills and 13 digs to celebrate.  Additionally, Sophomore Alofa Fraser (Henderson, NV – Basic HS) added 10 kills and Freshman Brooklyn Thesenvitz (Burien, WA. – Kennedy H.S.) had 16 digs in the effort. 

The second game featured Cody Luthy’s team taking on his former assistant coach at Pierce Valerie Koch.  Valarie had worked for three years at Whatcom before making the move to Pierce County.  Luthy’s team was able to get a 3-1 win (25-19, 22-25, 25-17, 25-16) in the nightcap.  Freshman Sydney George (Woodland, WA./Woodland H.S.) led the way for the Orcas with 14 kills.  Freshman Olivia Wegner (Bozeman, MT – Belgrade H.S.) had 17 digs in defensive support. 

Saturday marked Whatcom’s first loss of the 2023 season with a 3-2 loss (18-25, 22-26, 26-24, 25-23, 15-12) to #4 ranked North Idaho College.  Carly Rupp had 17 kills and 22 digs to support Whatcom.  Sydney George had 13 kills and Brooklyn Thesenitz had 18 digs in the loss. 

The final game Saturday featuring Whatcom vs. #7 Highline ended up going in Highline’s favor.   Whatcom lost in three sets (25-13, 25-18, 25-16).  The Orcas ended up finishing the tournament at 2-2.  Carly Rupp and Sydney Walker ended up with eight kills and Olivia Wegner led the team with 10 digs. 

Whatcom returns home on Friday, Sept. 1 vs. Columbia Bible College at 7:00 p.m. in the Pavilion.

Additional Friday Matches

Everett 3, Pierce 2

Everett 3, Yakima Valley 0

Additional Saturday Matches

Everett 3, Highline 1

North Idaho 3, Everett 1