The Centralia volleyball team snapped a four-game league losing streak on Tuesday, earning its first EvCo win of the season in a 25-23, 23-25, 25-21, 25-14 victory in Shelton.
Centralia coach Marti Smith said that she was very pleased with the overall effort and energy from the group, saying it was nice to see so many things from practice carry over into the game setting.
“It just really felt like it was really fluid,” Smith said. “It was smooth. It’s the way that we know they’re capable of playing.”
“It just kind of felt all night long that we had this,” she continued. “They were working so hard together and communicating really well.”
Smith commended Megan Wickert for her effort throughout the night. Wickert finished with six kills and went 13 for 14 from the service line, but she also had several other plays that didn’t show on the statsheet.
“She played every point up until the last few points,” Smith said. “She made some really great hustle plays and had good coverage. It was really great to see her come out and play a really great game.”
Smith also praised Ava Horst and Ceiana Arelong, saying they did a great job on the defensive end. With the setters getting the first touch, others needed to step in and take the second, and Smith said that others filled that role extremely well.
“Overall, just a really great team win,” Smith said. “It took every person to contribute tonight … I’m just really happy.”
Arelong finished with 18 digs and 14 assists while going 9 for 11 at the service line, while Horst had 13 digs and went 10 for 12.
Kendyl Guenther collected 10 kills and four blocks, and Ryleigh Butler added 20 digs, four kills, and four aces while missing just two of 16 service attempts. Inacia Paul ended her night with 21 digs and a 23 for 25 mark serving, and Eliyah Rooklidge tallied 23 digs of her own.
The Tigers (4-7, 1-4 2A EvCo) will look to win their second straight EvCo game on Thursday in Aberdeen.
“I’m hoping that we can have a great practice Wednesday and that can lead into a great day on Thursday," Smith said.
