File photo – The Loggers won both the varsity and JV matches at McKinleyville on Tuesday night.

The Eureka Loggers began the second round of league play with a straight sets win over McKinleyville in Big 5 volleyball on Tuesday night.

The Eureka girls won 25-16, 25-21, 25-6.

And it wasn’t the only win on the night for the program, with the Eureka JVs winning an exciting showdown against the Panthers in three sets, with the final and decisive set going their way by a score of 19-17.

The victory for the varsity team was the Loggers’ second over the Panthers in league play as they improved to 2-3 in the Big 5.

Eureka had to overcome a sluggish start, but grew into the match with several players stepping up.

“After a rocky start with a lot of missed serves we pulled it together and played great as a team,” Eureka head coach Stephanie Napoleon said. 

Samara Gaither was instrumental in the win, and had “a fantastic game,” according to her coach.

The junior finished with nine kills, one block and three aces.

Freshman Tiarah Maualuga and senior Isis Poteet also continued to impress.

Maualuga finished with eight kills and a block, while Poteet added six kills and three blocks.

Poteet is one of two senior captains, along with Anisha Mae Rechelluul, with the latter also impressing and finishing with five kills and 15 assists.

Natalie Rogers led the way at the service line and finished with five aces in the win.

The Loggers are now 12-14 overall.

Next up, on Thursday, Eureka has a bye in league play, while McKinleyville will host league leaders Del Norte.