THUNDERBIRDS WIN THE BATTLE: Las Plumas Takes Down Oroville in Five-Set Thriller

The Las Plumas Thunderbirds varsity girls volleyball team picked up a big league victory over their crosstown rivals, the Oroville Tigers, in a thrilling five-set battle.

The Thunderbirds came out strong, taking the first two sets 25-23 and 25-20 and putting themselves in position to close out the match. Oroville fought back, winning the third and fourth sets 25-19 and 25-21 to force a deciding fifth set.

With the rivalry matchup hanging in the balance, the Thunderbirds showed their composure and battled point by point in the final set. Las Plumas came through when it mattered most, edging the Tigers 15-13 to secure the hard-fought victory.

Mackenzie Sills was a force from the service line, recording seven aces and helping generate momentum for the Thunderbirds throughout the match.

At the net, Caysley Hepworth led Las Plumas with 11 kills while also making several key blocks during crucial moments. Sage Hurte added 10 kills, providing another consistent offensive threat for the Thunderbirds.

Defensively, Josslyn Mendenhall turned in a strong performance at libero, recording 15 digs and helping keep rallies alive throughout the five-set battle.

Sarah Floyd directed the Thunderbirds’ offense from the setter position, consistently setting up her teammates for scoring opportunities. Floyd also contributed several key blocks at the net, making an impact on both sides of the ball.

The victory gives Las Plumas an important league win and, perhaps most importantly, bragging rights in the latest chapter of the crosstown rivalry.

The Thunderbirds will look to build on the victory when they return to action Thursday against the Live Oak Lions.

Final: Las Plumas 3, Oroville 2
Set scores: 25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 21-25, 15-13