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The Arcata Tigers and Del Norte Warriors both won their Big 5 openers in volleyball on Thursday night to set up a pivotal showdown between the conference favorites next week.

The Warriors defeated Fortuna in Crescent City in straight sets, while the Tigers welcomed Eureka to Arcata and won a hard-fought showdown in five sets.

The two schools will face off in Crescent City on Tuesday night in a game that should have a huge impact in the race for this year’s conference championship. 

“It was a great showing for us,” said Del Norte coach Petra Lorenzi, whose team won 25-10, 25-15, 25-16. “I think we were hyped up for our first league game.”

Bliss Blackburn led the Del Norte girls, who are the two-time defending conference champs.

Blackburn finished the night with eight kills and six aces, while teammate Lauren Stutes also had eight kills to go with three aces.

“It was nice to see them come out strong,” Lorenzi said of her players. “Our seniors are stepping up and our underclassmen are starting to follow.”

Senior Carlee Harper in particular has been setting the tone for her teammates.

“She’s doing a phenomenal job taking on a leadership role on the court,” Lorenzi said of the starting libero. “She really wants it this year. You can see it.”

Fellow senior Tsinte Steinruck also has brought a competitive edge to the team this year and finished with six kills and four aces in Thursday’s win.

Junior Kansas Coulson, meanwhile, also impressed the coaches in the conference opener and is taking full advantage of her opportunities this fall.

“She worked her butt off all summer long and it’s really coming together for her,” Lorenzi said of the starting setter. “She’s doing a phenomenal job giving her hitters opportunities to get kills.”

A young Fortuna team, meanwhile, features no seniors this fall and four sophomores.

But the team, according to new head coach Rene Drakeford, is showing a lot of hustle as they continue to gain experience.

“They had great energy and teamwork tonight,” the coach said.

Three of the team’s sophomores led the way.

Olivia Silacci finished with a team-high six kills, while Evelyn Little added five kills.

Fellow sophomore Addie Collenburg also impressed and finished with 10 digs.

Rounding out a solid team performance, junior Jaydyn Dalton had 16 assists.