GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Returning to the courts this year, Gridley High School Varsity Girls Volleyball has taken a large chunk out of their opponents.

The varsity girls, led by Coach Liz Ayon, began season play against the Durham Trojans, in which they would take the win 3-1.

They would continue their victory streak, beating the Anderson Cubs 3-0, Marysville Indians 2-0 and Red Bluff Spartans 2-0. They’d hit a snag with the East Nicolaus Spartans. The girls would take their first loss of the season, with a final of 2-0 Spartans.

Gridley would need another cycle to find their footing, falling to the Orland Trojans 2-0 before winning against Marysville, 3-0 and Central Valley 3-0.

Iris Counihan No. 5, tips the ball back over the net, with backup from Tati Rivero No. 0 (white jersey), Isabel Santillan No. 4 and Yalany Romo No. 2. Photo by Libby Tolman

Tuesday, Sept. 2 they took the court against the Lincoln Fighting Zebras.

Gridley’s skills were highlighted in a nearly perfect win in all three sets against the Zebras.

Sophomore Iris Counihan leads the ‘dogs with an average of 3/1 kills per set, also the holding the highest hitting percentage and digs per set for the team. Returning players senior Tati Rivero and sophomore Abby Boyan are close behind Counihan for digs.   

Senior Avery Mendenhall and Sophomore Kambelle Tolman on defense have been providing excellent blocks for their teammates, with back up from Senior Yalany Romo.

Yalany Romo No. 2, swats the ball back down over the net and keeps Marysville from scoring.

After last years post season performance, narrowly being knocked out in the finals, Gridley Volleyball returns strong to the courts once more.

The Bulldogs are set to play the West Valley Eagles, Thursday September 4, with the Hamilton Tournament scheduled for Friday. At the time of this article participating teams were still to be announced.

Gridley Girls Varsity Volleyball is Tati Rivero, Yalany Romo, Isabel Santillan, Iris Counihan, Abby Boyan, Madison Carey, Rebecca Solis, Kambelle Tolman and Avery Mendenhall.