GRIDLEY, CA (YSBC) – The Gridley Bulldogs girls volleyball team swept the Lincoln Fighting Zebras in straight sets (25-18, 25-15, 25-22) during cross-section play during their home opener on Sept. 2.

The victory over Lincoln was Gridley's third consecutive match where they swept their opponents in straight sets. The Bulldogs moved to 7-2 on the season with the win and brought a powerful punch to the Fighting Zebras on Tuesday night.

Gridley controlled the first set but had to fight back from early deficits in the second and the third to grind out the victory. Bulldogs’ sophomore outside hitter Iris Counihan led the way with nine kills on the night for Gridley. 

The Bulldogs have a balanced group of athletes that chip in on all parts of the court as fellow sophomores Kambelle Tolman, Abby Boyan and senior Avery Mendenhall all had five kills in the win.

Gridley senior setter Isabel Santillan (4) sets the ball on Sept. 2 during the Bulldogs' win over Lincoln. Photo by Steven Bryla

Gridley head coach Elizabeth Ayon told Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that the Bulldogs are young, but there is a ton of fire and potential.

Ayon added that her nine athletes bring great energy to the court. Gridley has four sophomores; four seniors and junior outside hitter/defensive specialist Rebecca Solis is the lone junior. Ayon told YSBC that the Bulldogs goals to accomplish and it starts with consistency.

Gridley senior setter Isabel Santillan had 25 assists and led the Bulldogs with nine digs on Tuesday. Tolman led Gridley with four-monsterous blocked shots in the victory. Ayon said that Tolman will be crucial in the blocks department as size as a middle hitter will cause problems for opponents.

The Bulldogs are scheduled to host the Pierce Bears on Monday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. 

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