Surviving the first round of the Class 3 District 7 tournament was a hectic task for the Warrenton volleyball team. The Warriors needed three sets (26-24, 22-25, 25-21) to achieve the feat against a Winfield team that had beaten them early in the regular season. The triumph marked the Warriors’ first district win in eight seasons. Coach Drew DeManuele says his team showed considerable poise amidst several large deficits. “I was on pins and needles,” said DeManuele. “We just played tough. The girls were confident and weren’t doubting themselves. I’m proud of them.” The Warriors led 10-7 during the first set before giving up six unanswered points. They rallied back to tie the game at 15-15, took a slight lead, before again falling into a two-point deficit. Warrenton matched the score at 23-23 and battled its way to victory from that point. “I told my seniors to play with leadership and for the sophomores to play for the seniors,” said DeManuele. The second set was also extremely close until the midway point, with Winfield offsetting an 8-8 tie to build a five-point lead. “We came back out a little over confident that second game and gave them a little lead,” said senior Ashley Bauer. “In the third we decided we’re not doing this anymore, and we stopped messing around.” Trailing 19-13, the Warriors attempted to rally and closed the gap with four uanswered points to make the score 24-21. Winfield managed to escape, forcing the third set. “I think we got a little too comfortable on our passing and our serve-receive, and that’s when they opened the gap up,” said DeManuele. Winfield again took an early advantage during the final set, leading 13-10 and 18-16. Senior Sarah Cunningham put the Warriors ahead 19-18 on a serve, as they used a 5-0 run to take control. “Cunningham’s serves were huge,” said DeManuele. “It’s probably the best she has served all year. She had a few errors, but overall the points she got off her serves tonight were crucial.” DeManuele also complimented Bauer’s performance. “Ashley had a pivotal kill from the back that set the tone for the third set,” said DeManuele. The victory advanced the Warriors into the semifinals against No. 1 seed Duchesne, who received a first-round bye.