One year after their historic breakthrough championship, the defending North Coast Section champions have hit the ground running this fall.

On Thursday night, the St. Bernard’s girls defeated Fortuna 3-1 in volleyball, giving them a pair of victories over Big 5 opponents in their first three matches.

The Crusaders won 25-7, 12-25, 25-15, 25-23.

Senior Ella Hart was named the team’s player of the game after an impressive all-around performance.

Hart, who plays center and opposite, finished with 10 aces and no errors on 24 serves.

She also had eight assists 39 sets and four kills.

She was’t the only standout for the home team.

Junior Sahara Tupua also has begun the new season in impressive fashion.

The SB libero, who played a pivotal role in last year’s run to the NCS championship, added 18 serve receives and 13 digs.

“She’s an amazing passer and defensive player,” new head coach Rachel Evans said of the multi-sport standout.

Middle hitter Jocelyn Sundberg also was instrumental in the win and finished with seven kills and five digs.

Last year’s NCS title was the first for an H-DNL team in 37 years.

The Crusaders, who also have defeated McKinleyville in straight sets and lost to Arcata in straight sets, are now 2-1 on the new season.