Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – McKinleyville’s Hailee Henry

A pair of Eureka schools are gearing up to begin the defense of their league titles, as the Humboldt-Del Norte League opens conference play in volleyball this week.

The Eureka Loggers, who went 7-1 on the way to the Big 5 championship a year ago, will have an opening round bye on Thursday night, before kicking off their campaign at home to Fortuna next week.

But the teams that are looking to de-throne them will all be in action on Thursday, with McKinleyville hosting Del Norte and Arcata traveling to Fortuna.

Both matches are set for 6:30 p.m., with the JVs getting the action under way at 5:30 p.m.

The smaller schools, meanwhile, will also get league play under way on Thursday night.

Defending champion St. Bernard’s will host Southern Trinity, while Ferndale travels to Hoopa Valley.

The Crusaders were a perfect 8-0 in league play a year ago.

Both matches are also set for 6:30 p.m.

Coaches who wish to have their team’s games included in our nightly roundups can email details to humboldtsports1@gmail.com.

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Ray Hamill writes at humboldtsports.com, where you can read lots more about sports in Humboldt County.