Photo by Karen Nichols – The Eureka Loggers

The defending Big 5 champions and two teams expected to challenge them this fall all enjoyed impressive non-conference wins on the volleyball courts on Tuesday night as they continue to build momentum ahead of league play.

The Eureka Loggers beat their crosstown rivals, St. Bernard’s, in four sets, while the Arcata Tigers topped McKinleyville in straight sets and the Del Norte Warriors got the better of Brookings-Harbor in straight sets.

Del Norte won 25-12, 25-19, 25-17.

The Warriors, who have dominated the Big 5 in each of the past two season, were led by junior standout Bliss Blackburn, who had a big night at the service line.

Blackburn finished with nine aces, to go with four kills.

Senior Tsinte Steinruck also had a good night for the defending league champs and added eight kills and five aces.

Rounding out a solid team performance, Lauren Stutes had nine kills and Kansas Coulson added a team-high 23 assists.

At St. Bernard’s, meanwhile, sophomore Tiarah Maualuga continued to impress for the Loggers, who got the better of St. Bernard’s by a score of 25-19, 22-25, 25-17, 25-16.

Maualuga finished with 20 kills in the win.

“Tiarah Maualuga was once again a powerhouse,” Eureka head coach Stephanie Napoleon said. “Love her energy.”

Samara Gaither also impressed in the win and finished with six kills, a block and three aces, while Kaitlynn Whitehead added four blocks and a kill.

The Battle sisters also stood out for the visitors.

Last year’s Del Norte Warriors were undefeated in conference play.

Alena Battle finished with three kills and two blocks, while Baylie Battle added a team-best 17 assists to go with three aces.

“St. Bernard’s is tough this year, so Im real proud of our team’s resilience and fight to pull out the win tonight,” Napoleon said.

The Tigers also impressed in a straight sets win.

The Arcata girls won 29-27, 25-17, 25-16.

Quincy Collins led the way with eight kills and five blocks, while teammate Kyla Kinyon added six kills and three blocks.

Bella Campbell also enjoyed a productive night and added four aces and 16 serving points, while Harper Appy rounded out a good team performance with 24 assists and two aces.

The Tigers are now 6-1 and appear well positioned to challenge for a conference championship.

The Arcata girls will host their annual tournament this weekend, with 16 teams set to compete at both Arcata and McKinleyville High Schools.