Crusaders crowned L5 co-champs; Warriors remain in contention

By barstoolfanatics on October 16, 2024 • ( Leave a comment )

File photo – The St. Bernard’s Crusaders

The race for the Little 5 championship in volleyball looks set to go down to the final night of action after St. Bernard’s and Hoopa both won their respective matches on Tuesday.

The conference-leading Crusaders clinched at least a share of this year’s championship with their sixth win in seven conference games, beating Northcoast Prep 25-4, 25-3, 25-4.

The SB girls can claim the title outright with a win over South Fork at St. Bernard’s in their final conference game on Tuesday.

They may be crowned outright champs before then, if NPA can upset the Warriors Hoopa on Thursday.

After Tuesday’s five-set win at Ferndale, which was their second over the Cats in the Little 5, the Warriors are now 5-2 in conference with one game remaining.

The Warriors won an exciting and closely-fought showdown over the Cats by a score of 25-22, 24-26, 26-24, 14-15, 15-8.

Neither team was able to win back-to-back sets and three of the sets went right down to the wire.

Once again, several players stepped up for the Hoopa girls, including Millennia McKindley, who had a big all-around night.

McKindley finished with team-highs in kills (eight), aces (eight) and blocks (two) to lead the way for the visitors.

Maggie Morris and Wau’Kel Blake each added five kills in the win, while Annie Lanning had four kills and a team-best seven digs.

Julie Lanning also impressed with five aces, while Ivy Lamebear added six digs and Harmony Nelson dished out 22 assists.

St. Bernard’s, meanwhile, comfortably took care of business against NPA.

Bailee White half a big night in the win, especially serving the ball.

White, according to head coach Rachel Evans, “really stood out with her float serving” and finished with 15 aces and 25 points earned, as well as four assists.

Anna Dorsch also impressed in the win and added four kills and six aces.

The Crusaders will play a non-conference game at Eureka on Wednesday night, before closing out their Little 5 campaign against South Fork next week.