Centralia dug itself holes in three-straight matches and mounted comeback attempts but couldn’t quite dig itself out in a straight-set loss on the road to Tumwater (25-17, 25-21, 25-18) in 2A Evergreen Conference play on Thursday.
In the first and second sets, it was Peyton Smith’s serving that helped the Tigers climb back in it, and in the second set it was Evie Rooklidge’s serving that helped curb Tumwater’s momentum.
“Evie had another great night being all over the court,” Centralia coach Marti Smith said. “She did everything you want out of a libero. She’s been great this season.”
Rooklidge was 11 for 11 serving with a team-high 21 digs, while Smith was 15 for 16 with five aces and 20 assists. Jadyn Hawley contributed 14 digs, Ella Orr tallied five kills and 12 digs and Anna Stinkeoway pitched in four kills.
“I told the girls there’s nothing to hang our heads about,” Smith said. “They kept fighting and everyone contributed. It was our best night covering our own hitters. That’s been a weak spot for us. We kept Tumwater off balance.”
Centralia (1-7, 1-7 league) heads to Rochester on Tuesday, then hosts the Warriors on Wednesday. Tumwater hosts Shelton (8-3) on Tuesday.
Tenino at King’s Way Christian
