For the second time in as many games, the Napavine volleyball team pulled out a victory in five sets, this time over Rainier in a non-league matchup on Thursday night.
It was only after Rainier (3-1) took two of the first three sets and took a lead in the fourth set that Napavine coach Monica Dailey felt the Tigers (2-0) became as aggressive as she was hoping.
“We definitely need to come out guns blazing and play aggressive from the beginning,” Dailey said.
The Tigers were able to climb back in the fourth set and eventually take the fifth set 15-13, but Dailey said there is still some meat left on the bone for the Tigers moving forward.
“We’re much more capable than what we played tonight,” Dailey said. “We’re happy for the win but know we can do better.”
Allyson Ooms led the Mountaineers with 11 kills, and Annabelle Whiteman added seven. Lilly Johnson led the defense with 12 digs, and Janess Blackburn had a stellar night serving, notching nine aces.
For Napavine, Emily Kang was impressive defensively, recording 26 digs while also adding six aces serving. Keira O’Neill led the offense with 23 kills.
Jessie McCoy had five aces while also adding 14 assists and nine kills, Dakota Hamilton had a double-double with 16 assists and 10 kills.
The Tigers return to the court on Monday, when they host Castle Rock, while Rainier will travel to Toledo on Tuesday. Both games will start at 7 p.m.
