With the Little 4 set to begin play in volleyball in less than two weeks, the Crusaders are showing why they should be considered one of the frontrunners.

On Tuesday night, the St. Bernard’s girls played defending Big 5 champion Arcata and gave the Tigers all they could handle.

Arcata won the match 19-25, 26-24, 25-16, 25-21.

Brittyn Ikeya led the way in the four-sets loss, as the Little 4 program started fast and took the opening set before the Tigers grew into the game.

“Brittyn was a key piece in keeping those games close,” St. Bernard’s head coach Sejay Sarti said. “She hit hard every time and played smart at the net. She continues to grow into her role on this team.”

Likewise with Logan Tallman and Shara Tupua.

Tallman had a big night digging the ball in the back row, while Tupua led the team at the service line and put together a five-point run at one stage.

The two programs continue to build momentum ahead of conference play and both teams are showing plenty of improvement at an opportune time.

“Both teams played at a high level of volleyball and it was entertaining to watch point to point,” Sarti said.

The Tigers will begin the Big 5 at Eureka next Thursday, while the Crusaders will begin the Little 4 on Sept, 23 at Ferndale.