MATTAWA — You have to excuse coach Rudi Hirai for being happy even when her Wahluke High volleyball team loses a match like last week’s to Kiona-Benton.

Wahluke was defeated 25-17, 25-11, 25-17. But Hirai remembers a time when the scores with Ki-Be were 25-1, 25-2 or 25-3. That was the old Wahluke program.

“The team played great,” Hirai exclaimed. “We battled with one of the top teams in the league.”

Hirai’s girls did not back down in the face the intimidating Bears. Instead they attacked the ball and made Ki-bi work for every point.

“It was a huge improvement from the first time we played them,” Hirai said. “I am proud of the level of intensity and competitiveness the team brought to the court.”

Every girl played a role in defending Ki-Be’s hard attacks. As a team, the Warriors executed 26 perfect digs on their kill attacks.

Dig leaders included Selena Prudente with six and Rebecca Ramirez with five.

The Warriors were also able to block their hard hitters a few times. Successful blockers included Abby and Megan Yorgesen, Katie Salazar and Rebecca Ramirez.

Tonight is senior night for the girls. They will host River View, a team that has hammered Wahluke in the past.

Hirai is hopeful her girls will continue the same play they had against Ki-Be.