The St. Bernard’s girls will open league play at Hoopa on Tuesday in what should be a competitive Redwood League in volleyball this fall.
The defending league champs have struggled early in the season in terms of wins and losses.
But like many of their league rivals they have been playing some far larger schools and the tough September schedule should benefit the team when league play begins.
“We are continuing to grow into our roles on our team,” SB head coach Sejay Sarti said.
On Tuesday the Crusaders continued preparation for league with a challenging matchup against a Del Norte team that has been a powerhouse in the Pacific League in recent years.
And the Redwood League school lost in three sets, 25-17, 25-17, 25-13.
“Del Norte does a tremendous job of never letting the ball drop,” Sarti said. “They are everywhere on the floor making it hard to find a flaw in their defense.”
Junior Natalia Williams was one of the bright spots for the Crusaders and led the team in aces, while teammate and fellow junior Grayson Crenshaw did a good job in a new position.
“(She) filled in as a setter and held her end of the deal up,” Sarti said of Crenshaw. “She did well and hustled.”
No final stats from the game were immediately available for either team.
The Crusaders will continue preparation for league at the Brookings tournament this weekend, while the Warriors will open the Pacific League against defending league champion Eureka in Crescent City on Thursday night.
