‘Fired-up’ Arcata girls top the Loggers in statement league opener

A young Arcata Tigers team showcased its championship credentials in volleyball with a statement win on Tuesday night.

The Tigers hosted defending champs Eureka in their Pacific League opener and ran out to a stunning three sets victory.

While it’s not unusual to see the Arcata girls top one of their biggest rivals, the dominating fashion of their 25-17, 25-17, 25-16 victory over a red-hot Eureka team that has been setting the standard here on the North Coast was.

And it was a complete team win.

“The team was super excited to start league against Eureka,” said Arcata head coach Laurie Griffith, who has just two seniors on her roster. “All the girls played really well. They supported each other and were fired up to win.

“I am so proud of the work they have been putting in.”

The Loggers came into the game riding a six-game winning streak, including a league-opening victory at Del Norte on Thursday and a perfect run through the weekend Brookings tournament.

“Got to give it to Arcata. They played great and kept us out of our system,” Eureka head coach Stephanie Napoleon said. “Our team struggled to get any momentum.”

The No. 39 Loggers are ranked 45 spots ahead of Arcata in the North Coast Section, but those rankings counted for little on Tuesday.

Several players contributed to the win, including Betty Miles who finished with a team-high nine kills, as well as Kyla Kinyon, who had eight kills and two blocks.

Colby Eisner also had a good night for the Tigers and added eight kills and three blocks, while Karely Ruiz finished with 32 assists and eight aces and Ellie White added five kills.

Lily D’Usseau, Eli Kanzler, Lotus Low and Trinity Circosta all impressed on the defensive side of the ball and combined for 38 digs, with Lotus also enjoying a good night at the service line and contributing four aces.

Lily Stoffers also made her presence felt with some “solid serving and net play,” according to the coach.

No final stats were immediately available for the Loggers, but Napoleon praised the efforts of senior Makenzie Wolff and junior Kylee Secor.

“(They) stepped it up tonight,” the coach said of the impressive duo. “They played all out, showing leadership, staying positive and lifting their team up when we were down.”

Napoleon also praised the Tigers, describing them as “the scrappier team.”

The loss was just the sixth of the season for the Loggers, who dropped to 20-6, while Arcata improved to 9-9.

Both schools will continue league play on Thursday night.

Arcata travels to Del Norte, while Eureka plays at McKinleyville.