The Gridley Bulldogs celebrate their five-set victory over Colusa on Aug. 20. Photo by Steven Bryla

COLUSA, CA (YSBC) - The Gridley Bulldogs fought back and took a non-league matchup against the Colusa RedHawks in five sets (21-25, 17-35, 25-18, 25-23, 15-9) on Aug. 20.

Gridley came into the matchup with a victory over Pierce (Arbuckle) in four sets a couple days prior.

Bulldogs head coach Elizabeth Ayon expressed to Yuba Sutter Butte Colusa Sports that she is excited to see what Gridley can accomplish this year.

The Bulldogs returned six players from the 2025 roster that was eliminated in the semifinals by Orland in straight sets.

Gridley head coach Elizabeth Ayon (right) smiles during the fourth set of the Bulldogs’ win against Colusa on Aug. 20. Photo by Steven Bryla

Gridley struggled to get some momentum throughout the first two sets of the match as they found themselves down by seven to nine points for a chunk of time before they fought back within a few points before Colusa secured the first-two sets.

The Bulldogs did serve better than their two previous matches before they faced off against the RedHawks.

Gridley found their rhythm in the third set as their momentum gained from an early deficit before they controlled the serve primarily in their favor from a 10-7 advantage in the set.

The Bulldogs gained a 15-12 advantage in the third set and were able to pull away decisively before clinching their first set of the match.

Gridley junior outside hitter Madison Carey (2) saves a ball on Aug. 20 during the Bulldogs’ victory over Colusa. Photo by Steven Bryla

The fourth set was a back-and-forth battle between both squads where Colusa had the advantage for a while before Gridley dug deep and had a 20-17 advantage.

The Bulldogs were able to hold on the tight-set win that forced the fifth.

Gridley had the more juice at the end and took the match.

Bulldogs junior middle hitter Kambelle Tolman led the way for Gridley in the match with 18 kills and contributed six digs and eight blocks in the win.

Gridley junior middle hitter Kambelle Tolman (15) climbs over the net with a hard strike on Aug. 29 in the Bulldogs’ win at Colusa. Photo by Steven Bryla

Gridley junior outside hitter Iris Counihan had 17 kills and 13 digs while junior setter Abby Boyan had 45 assists and 18 digs in the win.

The Bulldogs participated in the annual volleyball tournament in Chico last weekend where they went 2-3 overall.

Gridley was scheduled to have two-multiple day trips planned as they went and competed up north this week.

The Bulldogs are scheduled to host Marysville on Tuesday, Sept. 1.

Gridley junior outside hitter Iris Counihan (5) connects with the ball during the Bulldogs’ victory against Colusa on Aug. 20. Photo by Steven Bryla.