The Yelm volleyball team was close to earning its first win of the season, taking Shelton to the brink on the road but losing in five sets Thursday night.
Yelm controlled the first set 25-21, and the Highclimbers took command of the match by winning sets two and three 25-18 and 25-16, respectively. The Tornados fought in the fourth set to prevail 25-22 to reach a fifth set for the first time this fall.
In a climactic final set, Shelton defeated Yelm 16-14.
“We had some great hustle and great effort. But we have to be able to stop runs and build our own momentum,” Yelm first-year head coach Bailey Whalen said. “Great fight from the Tornados truly. We have a lot of work to do in a short amount of time since league play is Monday.”
Yelm recorded a season-high 14 aces. Senior Lexi Stone paced the Tornados with 12 kills, while junior Anna Lee logged 10 kills. Senior setter Rylee Hominda tallied 32 assists, and senior Kinsley Corak shined on defense with 27 digs. Senior Riley Smith posted four aces.
Yelm (0-4) will open South Puget Sound League play at home against Emerald Ridge Monday night.
