The Winlock volleyball team came out on top in a back-and-forth match against Toledo on Tuesday, winning in five sets to improve to 5-1.
While Toledo took the first set, Winlock coach Terri Dalsted said the team locked in on their game plan and started peppering the deep corners with their hits.
With better execution came better results, as the Cardinals took the next two sets to go up 2-1.
The Riverhawks (3-3) adjusted in the fourth set, dropping defenders further back, but the Cardinals shifted their focus in the fifth, honing in on the gaps that became available closer to the net because of that change.
“We had a game plan that we practiced yesterday, and I was really proud of the team for executing it,” Dalsted said. “They executed it to a tee.”
Dalsted also noted that the Cardinals made several hustle plays, something that helped swing the match in their favor.
Kindyl Kelly was effective on offense and defense, tallying 21 digs and 12 kills. Charlee Connelly and Kyleigh Creach excelled in their roles, as Connelly led the defense with 29 digs and Creach totalled 28 assists while also adding four kills.
Lacey Allen added nine kills and four aces, and Madison Rohman recorded seven kills and two blocks.
“We’re growing as a team and that makes me really excited,” Dalsted said.
While disappointed with the final result, Toledo coach Kelli Larson acknowledged that it was a great game, saying “it’s always a battle when Toledo and Winlock face off.”
Stefa Arceo-Hansen had a double-double of her own, tallying 11 kills, 11 digs and four assists.
““(She) had great court-awareness finding the holes,” Larson said.
Ellie Fallon just missed out on a triple-double, as she had 17 digs, nine kills, nine assists and two blocks. Lyndzie Filla added 15 digs, Jordynne Hensley tallied nine kills, and Whitney Olson dished out 36 assists while also serving six aces.
The Riverhawks are back in action on Thursday at No. 1 Adna, while the Cardinals will host Napavine at the same time.
