File photo – The Eureka Loggers improved to 4-1 in the Big 5 with an exciting win over McKinleyville on Tuesday.

The Loggers had to dig deep to keep their Big 5 championship hopes alive in volleyball on Tuesday night.

The Eureka girls dropped the opening two sets, but rallied to win three straight in a 24-26, 17-25, 25-15, 25-21, 15-13 victory over McKinleyville at Eureka High.

“I have to give McKinleyville credit, they played really well tonight,” Eureka head coach Stephanie Napoleon said. “It was another fun night of volleyball in the Jay Willard Gym.”

In a back-and-forth game that featured plenty of exciting rallies, the ever-dangerous Mariah Napoleon finished with a team-high 16 kills and four aces for the home team, while teammate Aniah Gaither was equally effective and had 12 kills and a block.

Isis Poteet also was instrumental in the win and added nine kills, as was Maeghan Hampton, who chipped in seven kills and six aces.

“Super proud of our team for not giving up after the early losses and pulling together to play as a team,” the head coach said. “Their maturity really showed tonight.”

Anisha Rechelluul also had a big night and finished with 30 assists, while Pule Fonoti aded seven assists and Bridgette Dunn had two kills and two blocks.

With the win, the Loggers improved to 4-1 in the Big 5 and they remain just one win behind the league leading Del Norte Warriors, who improved to 5-0 with a straight-sets win at Arcata on Tuesday. 

The Panthers dropped to 0-5 in the Big 5.

The Loggers have a bye on Thursday and will travel to Fortuna next Tuesday.