FERNDALE 3, LYNDEN CHRISTIAN 2
In an exciting opening game for both teams, the Golden Eagles opened up their new gymnasium in victorious fashion by defeating Lynden Christian in a back-and-forth contest. Ferndale won the first set 25-21, but the Lyncs stormed back with a 25-9 win of the second set. The Golden Eagles won the third set 25-20, but the Lyncs survived the match by beating Ferndale 27-25 in the fourth. The fifth set even went into extra time, as the Golden Eagles eventually outlasted LC 18-16. Ferndale seniors Morgan Hayes (16 kills) and Madisyn Butenschoen (11 kills and four blocks) each had big nights to kick off the season.
MERIDIAN 3, OAK HARBOR 2
The Trojans began their season on a high note by defeating the Wildcats in five sets. Meridian started off very strong, winning the first two sets 25-17 and 25-20, but Oak Harbor stretched out the third set before winning it 28-26, and then took the fourth 25-17. The Trojans came back in the final set, winning it 15-13 to go 1-0 on the season. Junior Emry Claeys led the way with 27 kills, 12 digs and three aces. Seniors Avery Neal (10 kills, 24 digs and an ace) and Hayden Claeys (37 assists and two aces) had big games, along with fellow senior Rainn Hull who led with four aces.
