White River’s volleyball squad caught fire last week, climbing to the top rung of its league’s ladder with South Puget Sound League 2A triumphs over Franklin Pierce and Sumner that escalated its SPSL 2A mark to 6-1.

The Hornets won both matches in straight sets, commencing the week’s action on Sept. 27 by visiting Franklin Pierce and beating the Cardinals 25-9, 25-22 and 25-21. Junior setter Jailyn VanSickle had the floor as she collected nine kills.

Sept. 29, White River hosted local SPSL 2A rival Sumner and didn’t show a lot of mercy as they kept a fierce stranglehold around the Spartan’s neck, beating Sumner 25-20, 28-26, 25-20.

Middle hitter Dannie Stroud, who rung up 20 kills in the week’s pair of crucial contests, was just one reason Hornet mentor Stryder Argo was smiling after the Sumner match.

“For the first time this season everyone kept the pressure on and played all out, all the way through the three matches,” Argo said. “I feel as if we proved something to ourselves against a tough Spartan team. If we stick together and play hard team volleyball until the end without letting down, we are going to be effective.”