Although host Meadowdale defeated the Oak Harbor High School volleyball team 3-0 Tuesday, Oct. 15, it wasn’t an easy win for the first-place Mavericks.

Wildcat coach Kerri Molitor said her team could have made it even tougher on Meadowdale: “The scores reflected a close match. We did not perform with enthusiasm or passion. It could have made a difference. Meadowdale has nine seniors on their team, and they definitely play together as a team. I believe, again, that if we make it to district play, we haven’t seen a team that we can’t beat. Our toughest competition is ourselves. When we play to our potential we will be a dominating force. Until then, we are competitive, but frustrated.”

Meadowdale (5-0, 8-2), ranked seventh in the state 3A poll, slipped by Oak Harbor 25-22, 25-21, 25-18.

Kayleigh Harper put in another strong performance for the Wildcats, earning 10 kills, six blocks and three aces. Makenna Martyn added six kills and four blocks, and Hailey Beecher finished with 25 assists.

Oak Harbor (2-3, 2-8) goes to Stanwood (3-2, 7-3) at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17.