The St. Bernard’s girls posted a good early-season victory at McKinleyville in non-conference volleyball action on Wednesday night.

Numerous players stepped up for the defending Little 5 champs, who took the victory in straight sets, 25-17, 25-23, 25-23.

Brittyn Ikeya, Makinsey Lemley and Sahara Tupua all had big nights in the win.

“Our team played incredibly well in a big atmosphere game,” new head coach Sejay Sarti said. “We played our game and came out on top.”

Ikeya set the tone at the service line for the SB girls, and her serves were “crucial” in the win, according to the coach.

“She brought the momentum to our side of the court,” Sarti said of the junior standout.

Seniors Lemley and Tupua also have begun their final year of high school competition well and look set to provide some valuable team leadership this fall.

“Makinsey Lemley had beautiful sets tonight and kept her teammates calm in big moments,” the coach added. “Sahara Tupua was everywhere on the floor tonight and provided a solid background for all three sets.”

Despite the loss, the Panthers battled hard and overcame a slow start to push the Crusaders all the way in the final two sets.

“McKinleyville was a tough opponent,” Sarti said. “They are an incredibly resilient and scrappy team.”

No details were immediately available for the Mack girls.

Next up, the Crusaders will continue their preparation for the upcoming conference campaign when they visit Middletown on Friday night.

The Panthers play at Ferndale on Tuesday.