The Washington Lady Hatchets are heading into the stretch drive toward the volleyball postseason, and they made a step in the right direction in preparation for the state tournament with a 25-18, 25-18, 25-23 win over Wood Memorial on Tuesday.

Washington (11-13) got contributions from several players in downing Wood Memorial (12-14). Up front, a trio of Lady Hatchets came up big. Senior Jessica Prewett was practically unstoppable at the net with 13 kills and four blocks, but Prewett had help. Junior Sara Eblin added nine kills, and classmate Kendal Wininger contributed eight kills and led WHS with five blocks. Eblin also led WHS with 19 digs.

First-year Lady Hatchet coach Brooke Browning likes the way her team is shaping up as the sectional nears.

“Sectional time, we’re going to be there. It’s still a little up and down, but our steps forward are definitely getting larger,” said Browning. “Jess (Prewett) and her senior leadership has really pulled it together in the last two weeks. I’m really proud of her for that.

“Kendal stepped up tonight. We’ve been waiting all season for to realize that she can hit that ball,” said Browning. “When she gets a hold of it, it’s a hard one to get back.”

Junior Taylor May topped the Lady Hatchet setters with 18 assists and also contributed 17 digs. Payton Shake added nine assists, followed by Kailey Hamilton with six.

May served six straight points late in game one to help WHS take control of that game, then served up eight straight points at nearly the same point in game two. Codie Myers ripped off six straight service points in the third game to help erase a 10-7 Wood Memorial lead.

With sectional play set to kick off in two weeks, Browning is looking for some more consistency from the improving Lady Hatchets.

“Ability wise, we’re there. It’s just a matter of getting the communication to pick up a little bit, and getting them to show that fire out on the floor every game that’s hit and miss now,” said Browning.

In the JV match, Washington improved to 18-6 on the season with a 25-12, 18-25, 15-6 win. Shake registered 11 digs and 17 assists, while Kelci Newton added 12 kills and Olivia Lengacher had 11.