An undefeated Darrington volleyball squad had to work relentlessly to pull off a win against determined Orcas ladies on Tuesday, Oct. 5.

The Loggers have been clear-cutting their competition this season, with a 4-0 league and a 7-0 overall record. They brought to the game hitters Caresse Baker and Jessica Brooks, who both received honorable mention for all-league selections last year. The Vikings were missing their all-league equivalent, power hitter April Hofmann, sidelined with an ankle injury.

The Orcas defense was smoking: Back row libero Makenna Thomas and sophomore Aliviah Garcia dove aggressively to slide underneath Logger missiles. In the front row Ashley Janssen and Emily Bodenhamer formed a wall, batting down Logger strikes. After their first loss, Orcas battled back for a second-game win.

But the Darrington team was very strong, firing right back Viking hits that seemed likely to score. Its hitters sent balls over with such force that they ricocheted wildly, some even bumping the gym ceiling, and the Vikings struggled to regain control and mount offensive returns. Many Darrington hits spun deceptively, dropping at the last second just inside the line, or into a deep empty corner pocket.

Scores were 25-17, 20-25, 25-16 and 25-16. Darrington’s Baker notched up 16 kills during the match, aided by an impressive leap and powerful strikes.