MARYSVILLE — An ambitious Highland Christian volleyball team looked every inch the more veteran team as they defeated Grace Academy in straight sets, 25-21, 25-18, 25-15.

Senior Chelsey Graber was a dominating force on behalf of the Highland offense with 22 kills sprinkled throughout the three games.

While Grace stayed competitive throughout the first game, the girls struggled for a long stretch of the second game, allowing the Lady Knights to pull away. The Highland girls tacked on nine consecutive points before giving up possession of the ball on an out-of-bounds hit. By that time, their lead had stretched from 11-9 to 20-9 as a Grace rally to even the teams at a game a piece fell short.

From the back of the court, junior hitter Sierra Diemer served for Highland on that stretch and Knights coach Anthony Favors praised her effort.

“Sierra has a devastating serve,” he said.

The upperclassmen were particularly prolific in Highland’s third game to sweep the Eagles. While Grace scored the first three points, it was Graber’s kill that first put Highland on the board in game three. Diemer scored the game-winning point and senior setter Aly Hodges totaled 19 assists for the night.

The team hopes to make an appearance in the state tournament this year. Hodges’ senior season is in her third on the team while senior sisters Chelsey and Kaila Graber are in their second.

‘The last two years we’ve been one game away from state, so we’re ready to move on,” Kaila said after Highland improved to 2-0 in league games against Grace.