Thursday night was an evening of many firsts for Ferndale volleyball: first game of the 2022 season, first league game of the year and first match in the high school’s new gymnasium.
The Golden Eagles didn’t disappoint, putting on a show to take down Northwest Conference foe Lynden Christian in five sets (25-21, 9-25, 25-20, 25-27, 18-16).
“Our game plan tonight was to stay calm and confident with a ton of energy and excitement about the first match in our brand new gym,” Ferndale coach Patti Hoelzle said. “A ton of students and community members showed up to watch our game, and we were so thankful to be playing in such a beautiful new space.”
It was a strong start to the season for Ferndale (1-0, 1-0 NWC), which is coming off a third-place trophy finish at the Class 3A state volleyball tournament.
The Golden Eagles lost four seniors from that team, have six this year and multiple players on their roster Thursday who had never played a varsity match. Sophomore Lay Williams, freshman Katrina Ferry and senior Hannah Heinrichs all came into the game and earned points during the high-pressure five-set match.
“Seeing them get into the game and make a positive difference was amazing,” Hoelzle said.
Hoelzle said two of the seniors — Brooklyn Cagle and Madisyn Butenschoen — led the team both emotionally and physically.
Cagle racked up 44 assists from her setter position and played lockdown defense with a team-high 23 digs. Butenschoen, the captain, contributed 11 kills, six digs, two blocks and helped the offense score points against a staunch Lynden Christian defense.
Senior outside hitter Morgan Hayes led the team with 14 kills, while Mallory Butenschoen added 11 digs and an ace.
Lynden Christian (1-1, 0-1 NWC) entered the match after sweeping Class 2B Concrete in a non-league season opener Sept. 6. The Lyncs are coming off an improbable second-place finish at the Class 1A state tourney after entering as the lowest seed (16) and knocking off top-ranked Overlake in the opening round.
The Lyncs will get another rematch with Overlake when they host the Owls at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, after hosting Cedar Park Christian at 2:30 p.m. earlier that day.
Ferndale opened the 2022 season with a five-team preseason jamboree at Burlington-Edison on Sept. 1. The Golden Eagles shared the conference title with Lynden and Meridian last year, and look to take the crown outright this season.
Ferndale moves back to non-league play when it heads to Class 4A Lake Stevens for a double-header at 5:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sept. 13.
