(FOSSIL) – The Wheeler County Rattlers won their first game of the season against a newcomer to the Big Sky League – the Bickleton Pirates in Fossil on Tuesday evening. The Rattlers downed the Pirates in three sets: 25-17, 25-12, and 25-23.
Only local spectators were allowed to attend the match due to COVID-19 protocols.
The Rattlers are a co-op team of the three Wheeler County schools which include Wheeler High School in Fossil, Mitchell High School and Spray High School.
Returning just two players from last year, Head Coach Crystal Rey was pleased with her team’s effort and their communication on the court.
“Half of our team has never played volleyball before,” said Coach Rey. “I’ve got a great group of girls that are willing to go avoce and beyond, ready to do anything I ask of them.”
Bickleton is in a similar situation. Head Coach Katie Moore said that the school is rebuilding its sports program and said that her players are also lacking experience. Coach Moore was pleased with the team’s effort and said that she expects improvement as the season progresses.
Bickelton is one of four Washington schools to to join the Big Sky in 2021. Glenwood/Klickitat, Lyle/Wishram, and Trout Lake have joined the league.
While the preparation and practice time available to teams was limited, it was evident that the young athletes were happy to be back on the court.