Ony Takes Ugly Win Over Napavine

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Continuing to roll through league play, Onalaska picked up another victory against Napavine in straight sets (25-22, 25-17, 26-24) Thursday night. 

Though it looks like a sound victory on paper, both coaches said it was closer than the score appeared. 

“Napavine played their hearts out,” Loggers coach Jen Hamilton said. “We played panic mode instead of playing confident and smart tonight. That’s not how we want to play, you need to swing, you need to play scrappy, and you need to play smart.” 

The Loggers (7-3, 3-1 in league), a little intimidated by the Tigers' blockers, weren’t as assertive as they’ve been for most of the season, letting the Tigers dictate play at the net for most of the match. 



Anna Thompson and Keira O’Neill combined for seven block kills, which made it easier for the Tigers back row to dig up balls, led by Grace Gall (25 digs) and Emily Kang (30 kills). 

“[The blocks] allowed our defense to play in their lanes and not all over the floor,” Tigers coach Monica Dailey said. 

Still, 32 hitting errors spelled doom for a young Napavine team, as Ony capitalized with Morgan Hamilton leading the way with 10 kills and 16 digs. Hannah James had five kills to go along with 11 digs, and Dakotah Hamilton finished with 16 assists, three kills, and four aces. Raelee Holmes had 29 digs in a strong defensive effort. 

Onalaska will look to keep the momentum going after a bye on Tuesday, taking on Winlock on the road on Thursday. The Tigers will look to bounce back in a non-league contest against at Pe Ell on Monday.