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The Hoopa Warriors closed out conference play in volleyball with a straight-sets win over Northcoast Prep on Thursday night to remain in the chase for this year’s title.

With the win, the Warriors improved to 6-2 in the Little 5, but they still trail conference leaders St. Bernard’s by half a game and will need some help if they are to share the championship.

The 6-1 Crusaders had a bye on Thursday and will close out their conference schedule at home against South Fork on Tuesday where a win will see them crowned outright champs.

They clinched at least a ashore of the title with a win over NPA earlier this week.

Hoopa won on Thursday by a score of 25-14, 25-7, 25-8.

It was the final regular-season home game for the team’s six seniors, Ivy Lamebear, Julia Lanning, Annie Lanning, Natalia Flores, Millennia McKindley and Harmony Nelson, and all six had big contributions.

McKindley finished with a team-high six kills, as well as seven digs and a block, while Annie Lanning had five kills, five aces and six digs.

Nelson, meanwhile, continued to do a good job setting her teammates up for success with 25 assists, and also had four aces.

Lamebear led the team defensively with eight digs and a block, while Flores added seven digs.

Rounding out the list of impressive seniors, Julie Lanning finished with a pair of kills and two digs.

While the seniors will no doubt be missed, there are some younger players who appear ready to fill their shoes, most notably Maggie Morris.

The talented sophomore led the team in serving with nine aces in Thursday’s win.

Also on Thursday night, the Ferndale Wildcats improved to 4-3 in conference play with a straight-sets win over South Fork.

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