Precision passing was a problem for the Oak Harbor High School volleyball team as it lost a 3-2 squeaker to visiting Shorewood in the conference opener Tuesday, Oct. 1.

After the two teams took turns winning the first four sets, the Thunderbirds (1-0, 4-2) had a surprisingly easy time in the decisive fifth game, winning 15-5.

The Wildcats won the first (25-15) and third (25-22) games and lost the second (25-17) and fourth (25-19).

Oak Harbor coach Kerri Molitor said the fifth set was “over before we knew it.”

She added, “We played very strong the first set (and) let up the second set — our passing started to go.”

Poor passing haunted the Wildcats in each game after the first, Molitor said.

“We will be working on our mental game and consistency,” Molitor said. “We have all the tools to be a great team.  Believing we can do it and stepping up in the face of adversity will be our focus.”

Wildcat Kayleigh Harper controlled the net with a match-high 20 kills and six blocks. Clair Anderson and MaKenna Martyn recorded nine kills, Hailey Beecher had 33 assists and Deanna Ruben collected 13 digs.

Oak Harbor (0-1, 0-6) heads to Shoreline to meet Shorecrest (1-0, 2-4) at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3.