MATTAWA — It was a tough week of volleyball for the Wahluke High School Warriors, with three losses, but the girls were on the upswing as the week ended.

The Warriors started the week with 7-25, 3-25, 13-25 loss to powerful Kiona-Benton. The Bears have excellent servers and hard hitters.

“We were not able to set much up offensively,” Wahluke coach Rudi Hirai said. “I am proud that the girls never gave up. It is challenging to play teams that are so dominate and not get discouraged.”

Highlights for the Warriors were five blocks for Abby Yorgesen and five digs for Selena Prudente.

The Warriors are are treating each game as a learning experience. Apparently they learned against the Bears.

The Warriors lost in three to River View two nights later but scored better. River View won 25-5, 25-15, 25-12.

“The girls stepped it up the second and third games, competing in several long rallies,” Hirai said. “We were able to defend several of their hard hits but had difficulties getting kills.”

The highlight for the Warriors was 13 digs by Prudente.

The best team performance for the Warriors came on Saturday against Kittitas. Wahluke fell, 18-25, 10-25, 24-26, but again the Warrior girls improved their scoring.

“I am proud of how the girls played on Saturday,” Hirai said. “They set up lots of offensive attacks and served great.”

Janeth Ramirez went 12-13 serving with five digs, Diane Cruz was perfect 9-9 serving. Prudente had 14 digs, Rebecca Ramirez had five digs and six assists,

Abby Yorgesen went 15-15 serving with six aces, and Megan Yorgesen and Karla Gallaga had kills three kills each.