The matchup that will likely decide the fate of this year’s Big 5 volleyball title has been pushed back two weeks because of this week’s power outage.
The Arcata Tigers, who lead the way with a record of 5-0, were set to travel to closest rivals McKinleyville (4-1) for a pivotal Thursday night showdown, but the match has been postponed until October 24.
The Tigers won the first league meeting between the two teams in late September, and kept their unbeaten start to the Big 5 going with a straight sets win at home to Fortuna on Tuesday.
The Tigers have yet to lose a set in their five league matches and are an impressive 19-7 overall.
They are currently ranked No. 7 among Division-IV teams in the North Coast Section, with McKinleyville No. 12.
Fortuna 0, Arcata 3
The Tigers got the better of their league rivals 25-17, 25-22, 25-17.
Bella Peterman led a balanced team effort with seven kills, with teammates Avery Thornburgh, Ella Day and Maya Mircetich each finishing with six kills.
Lola Renteria also had a big game with 28 assists and three aces, while Lilli Bowman had 12 service points and 15 digs.
Erin Lamphear had 10 digs.
No Fortuna stats were available.
McKinleyville 3, Del Norte 0
The Panthers kept the heat on the Tigers with a straight sets victory in Crescent City on Tuesday, winning 30-28, 25-18, 25-7.
Cameron Heenan had 20 digs and eight kills in the win, while teammate Hailee Henry added seven kills and three blocks.
Ashley Alves and Hannah Bolton each also had a big night for the visitors.
Alves finished with nine digs, four aces and four kills, while Bolton had 13 digs and four aces.
The ever-reliable Lexi White finished with 27 assists and 14 digs.
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Ray Hamill writes at humboldtsports.com, where you can read lots more about sports in Humboldt County.