Del Norte High volleyball: Warriors band together

Look sharp at home in four-set win against Mack

Senior Keirystn Anderson of Del Norte High hit the ball as a McKinleyville player tries to block it during a game in Crescent City on Tuesday The Warriors defeated the Panthers in four sets 25-23, 22-25, 25-11, 25-16. Del Norte Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

After compiling a 1-3 mark in the first half of the Big 5 season, the Warriors were determined to make a statement against the McKinleyville Panthers, whom they lost to in five sets Sept. 29.

In front of a receptive home crowd, Del Norte downed the Panthers in four sets 25-23, 22-25, 25-11, 25-16.

The win improved Del Norte to 2-3 in the Big 5 and 10-14-1 overall. It was the first home Big 5 win of the year for the team.

“They were composed,”  Warrior head coach Robyn Parker said. “They were playing together.”

Senior Keirystyn Anderson said it was nice to get a win against the Panthers after falling to them the first time out. The team performs successfully, she said, when they play up to their full potential.

“I think (the win) helps raise our spirits up,” she said.

She had a strong game for Del Norte, finishing with 12 kills. Morgan Laney also had a good night, finishing with nine kills, two aces and a block.

Kylee Bruder of Del Norte High goes up with the ball during a game Tuesday night. Del Norte Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

Parker was pleased with the way her team worked together as a unit and was more consistant in all aspects of the game.

A problem this season has been the way her players have grown discouraged once they trailed and have had difficulty bouncing back mentally. That did not occur Thursday.

After holding on for a 25-23 first set win, Del Norte looked sharp to start off the second set, taking a 16-12 advantage. But the Panthers bounced back. With the score tied at 22-22, McKinleyville scored three straight points to pull off the win.

Instead of getting discouraged, the Warriors came out fired up in the third set, diving for loose balls, blocking shots and smashing the ball for kills in a convincing 25-11 victory.

The Warriors continued their strong play in the fourth set and won 25-16 as the home fans gave the Warriors a warm round of applause.

A turning point, Parker believes, was how the squad came together at a tournament in North Bend, Ore., on Saturday. Against good competition the Warriors finished a respectable 2-2-1.

Parker said that the girls did not feel the preassure they did during Big 5 play, and just went out and played a sport they enjoy.

“Their attitude really changed at that tournament,” Parker said. “They played as a team. We went out and had fun.”

She is hopeful this positive play will continue the rest of the year.

In junior varsity action, the Warriors lost in three sets to the Panthers 21-25, 25-20, 15-10.

The varsity squad next plays at a tournament at Marshfield High in Coos Bay, Ore., on Saturday.

The following Tuesday, Del Norte faces Eureka on the road.