WARDEN — After a setback in the third set, the Warden Cougars rallied to defeat East Valley (Yakima) 3-1 on Monday night.

Warden won the first two sets with scores of 25-17 and 25-20, respectively. The Red Devils took the third set with a score of 25-18, though the Cougars took a close fourth set 25-22 to clinch the win and a 3-0 start to the season.

Junior middle blocker Lauren Chamberlain led the Cougars with 12 kills in the win, followed by fellow middle blocker senior Lauryn Madsen. The duo tied for a team-high in aces (four) and combined for 10 blocks.

Senior outside hitter Briana Martinez had 11 digs in Monday’s win, and junior outside hitter Reagan Golladay had nine digs.

Junior setter Genesis Ozuna recorded 22 assists in the win.

After their first conference game against Walla Walla Valley Academy on Tuesday, the Cougars return to the court Thursday on the road against Wahluke. The game begins at 6:30 p.m.