ARLINGTON – Not a week after the school shooting at Marysville-Pilchuck High School Oct. 24, the Lady Tomahawk volleyball players showed they have not lost their competitive edge.
“We can get through this,” M-P senior and team captain Sydney Jarvis said. “We deserve a spot in districts.”
Just two practices in, M-P was ready to take on Arlington for the 3A North title Oct. 29 at Arlington’s gym, M-P coach Brittany Fitzmaurice said.
“It shows how tough they are,” she said. “I don’t think we’re going to see any weakness tonight.”
“After going to practice, everyone was able to talk and hug it out,” Jarvis said. “We talked about where everyone was at, where they are standing now and had they had enough quality time with their families.”
After the embrace and communication, the Tommies wanted to pick up where they left off.
“Once when we got to this school, everyone has been in game mode,” Jarvis said.
Arlington fans showed their support for M-P, wearing the visiting team’s colors and providing meals for the girls.
It was a natural response of compassion by Arlington, their coach said.
“Thirty minutes after the shooting, I got a text from the girls saying they wanted to show M-P our love and support,” Arlington coach Whitney Williams said. “We are there for them.”
M-P’s volleyball team was gracious for Arlington’s warm welcome. “I think it’s great support, I think the girls should know that they are not alone, and it’s great for them to communicate and come together,” Fitzmaurice said.
Arlington’s compassionate response will help M-P ease back into regularity, Arlington athletic director Tom Roys said.
“We’re trying to show that we care about them but also give them a sense of normalcy,” Roys said. “We want to do whatever makes them feel comfortable.”
With Arlington having dealt with the Oso mudlside about seven months ago, Roys said that the communities showing support for each other in their respective tragedies has brought the towns closer.
“It puts things into perspective. At the end of the night, it’s a game,” Roys said. “I’m sure they want to get back to playing volleyball.”
