WARDEN - Iris Rodriguez had 18 kills, 33 digs and six blocks, and Aaliyah Enriquez added 11 kills and 14 blocks to help lead the Cougars to a five set (28-26, 14-25, 25-22, 15-25, 15-10) win over the Timberwolves in the first round of the district volleyball tournament Tuesday.

"It was a big win against a very good Goldendale team," coach Dennis Treat said. "Our girls made up a 21-11 deficit to take an exciting 28-26 set one win."

Tough defensive play at the net, Treat said, was key in the victory.

"We were able to do just enough to make Goldendale earn points and limit long runs by the Timberwolves offense in the sets we won," he said. "Abby Richins and Haley Yamane also did a great job of setting and keeping the Goldendale defense off balance."

Other Cougars turning in gutty performances were Hannah Bisnett who had nine kills and 12 blocks, Narcy Guerra who was 14 of 15 serving with 12 digs, and libero Bianca Hernandez who finished with 24 digs on the match.

Richins contributed seven kills, 15 assists and seven digs, and Yamane ended the night with 21 assists, was 28 for 28 serving with one ace and 21 digs.

"Turning in important appearances of the bench were Lexy Pruneda who was 6 for 6 serving with 1 ace, and Emily Pruneda who went 3 for 3 serving," Treat said. "Now we move on to Columbia Burbank High School on Saturday to finish the district tournament."

Warden will face Naches, the No. 1 seed from the 1A SCAC West Conference in round two at 2 p.m. A win over the Rangers will land the Cougars in the state tournament.