WILMINGTON – Struggling at the start of each set, the Wilmington High School volleyball team could not overcome non-league rival Hillsboro Monday in a 22-25, 17-25, 26-24, 25-20, 14-16 defeat at Fred Summers Court.

“We tried to play from behind every set and made it tough,” WHS coach Jenna Persinger said. “Finally found a rhythm but waited a little too long.”

The highlight of the match for the Lady Hurricane was the team’s serving efficiency. Persinger said her squad served at a 90 percent rate. “The best it’s been all season,” Persinger said.

The leading servers were Emily Self, Harlie Bickett and Samantha Achtermann with two aces each.

“We had the chance at the end of the fifth set to take the match and just weren’t able to take advantage,” the WHS coach said. “Hillsboro is a very well-coached team and was able to capitalize on our errors.”

Emily Butcher led WHS with six kills. Self added five while Ti Harris and Sami McCord had four each. Kathryn Harding had two kills and Maura Drake chipped in with one.

McCord led the defensive effort at the net with two blocks while Hardin and Harris had one each. Chay Johns finished with a team-high 12 assists and Bry Thompson added seven. Self had 16 digs and Bickett totaled 14.

Despite the varsity loss, Persinger said the junior varsity, eighth grade and seventh grade teams all posted wins over Hillsboro.