Oakesdale Nighthawks win Homecoming game

OAKESDALE - After a strong two-game performance from the Oakesdale Nighthawks volleyball team during the week, they ran into their toughest test so far this season.

The Nighthawks took on the Mary Walker Chargers from Springdale on Saturday, Sept. 16, in Oakesdale.

Last season, the Chargers went 22-4, finishing fourth in the 1B state championship volleyball tournament. Oakesdale took first last season. One of the four losses from the Chargers last season was against the Nighthawks, who once again defeated the Chargers this year. This time, the game took four sets, as the Chargers took the second set before the Nighthawks woke up, and won in four.

The first set of the game saw the Nighthawks lead 3-0 early before the Chargers called their first timeout. The Nighthawks would jump to the 11-3 lead in the set before Mary Walker called another timeout.

After the break, the Nighthawks pushed their lead to 19-10 before winning the set 25-14.

In the second set Oakesdale was down 8-4 early. Payton Davis would tie the game up with serves and solid hitting from Brieyn Henley. The Nighthawks would lead 9-8 before Mary Walker called a timeout. The Chargers would then take another timeout after Oakesdale led 16-12.

After a back-and-forth set the Nighthawks gave up four straight points to see their lead cut to one. The Chargers would then take the second set over the Nighthawks 25-23.

In the third set, the score was the same as the second set, but in favor of the Nighthawks, who won 25-23. The set went back-and-forth until the Nighthawks were victorious.

The fourth and final set in the game was a victory for the Nighthawks after they won 25-20 to take the match victory over Mary Walker.

In the game, Bradyn Henley and Lucy Hockett led the way with three aces. Davis would finish with 27 kills and 10 digs. This is the second game that Davis has over 25 kills in a game.

Samantha Holling had three blocks and 47 assists for the Nighthawks on the day.

The next match for the Nighthawks will be played Thursday, Sept. 21, against the St. John-Endicott-LaCrosse Eagles. The game will be played in Oakesdale and is set to start at 6 p.m.