The Meridian volleyball team defeated Blaine 25-27, 25-17, 25-16, 23-25, 15-9 in a non-conference matchup on Tuesday, Sept. 11, at Meridian.

"It was a drawn out battle," Meridian coach Shannon Claeys said in a phone interview. "We came out strong and had a good lead, but lost it in the first set. I think it was first-game jitters. But I was proud of how they fought to get the win in the final set."

Meridian had a 14-point lead in the first set, but lost it 25-27.

The Trojans were led by Sydney Wasilewski with 15 kills, Allecia Galindo with 10 kills and nine aces and Nicole Hofbauer with 23 assists and 10 aces.

"Nicole was huge today and did a great job serving for us," Claeys said.

Blaine (0-1) will travel to Lynden Christian on Thursday, Sept. 13, while Meridian (1-0) is home against Nooksack Valley.