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Playing in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, the South Fork Cubs enjoyed a breakthrough win in volleyball on Thursday night.

The Cubs rallied from a 2-1 deficit, winning 21-25, 25-21, 21-25, 27-25, 15-11 for their first victory over an L4 opponent since defeating Northcoast Prep in 2022.

According to MaxPreps records, it was also a first conference win over a full-time Little 4 program since getting the better of Ferndale in Oct. 2018.

“It was a battle,” South Fork head coach Phoebe Becker said. “We battled. We played hard. It was non-stop the entire time from side to side.”

The breakthrough win came just two days after a disappointing team performance against Ferndale, but the players responded after a great practice on Wednesday.

The Cubs were led by sisters Mackenzie and Leila Coleman.

Mackenzie was the team’s lone setter and was the catalyst in the win, while also enjoying a big night serving and finishing with seven aces.

“She was everywhere she needed to be the entire game,” Becker said. “She did a great job. She was the most impressive player.”

Leila, meanwhile, finished with nine kills, while teammate Peyton Cherry added five kills and two blocks and Ali King chipped in four kills and three tips.

Freshman Emalynn Wheeler also had a big night in the win after just being called up from the JV team to give the varsity roster some more depth.

Playing on the back row, the young Wheeler had an immediate impact on defense.

“She was very impressive for a freshman on a varsity team,” Becker said. 

Naveah Mattole also had four tips. 

The Hoopa girls were led by impressive freshman Vuunsip E-Kor, who continues to be a force for her team and finished with eight kills.

Karmen Whitecrane added five kills, while Chloe King, Wau’Kel Blake and Taelyr Lewis-Tracy all had four kills.

Lewis-Tracy also had six aces, while Naress Crawford had five aces, Luella Cosce had 22 digs and E-Kor had 13 digs.

The night, however, belonged to the Cubs and their fans.

Following a big win over Fortuna earlier in the campaign, a South Fork team that features no seniors appears to be turning a corner.

“They work so well together and they always have a positive attitude I really enjoy,” Becker said. “And they are coachable, they listen and play well together.

“I’m thinking that we’re turning things around.”

The South Fork coach also praised the contribution of an enthusiastic crowd, and in particular the student section.

“The atmosphere in the gym was great,” said Becker, who added, “I’m proud of (the players) and the energy that they brought last night, and their resilience coming back.”

The Coleman sisters have been good team leaders for this team, along with Anora Blackwell and Abi Krastes.

The Cubs roster also includes Ailana Kercher and Jordyn Hazard.

South Fork and Hoopa are both now 1-3 in conference play and tied for third in the Little 4 standings.