Dunkirk’s Gina Salerno serves during Wednesday’s CCAA North girls volleyball match at Dunkirk High School against Westfield. The Dunkirk Lady Marauders won in three sets. OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen.

Up two sets to none in a CCAA North league volleyball match at Dunkirk High School, the Lady Marauders huddled during a timeout. Rather than feeling the tension that Dunkirk has felt in many of its games this season, the Lady Marauders were all smiles and laughs, as members of the team tried to teach Dunkirk head coach Kate Stahlman a stylish way to high five.

The rather complicated high five Dunkirk tried to explain was the most challenging aspect of Wednesday’s match. The rest of the night was a breeze for the Lady Marauders.

Dunkirk was able to enjoy the game again on Wednesday, and the renewed joy led to a favorable result, as the Lady Marauders cruised to a three-set victory over the Westfield Lady Wolverines, 25-17, 25-10, 25-13, in a CCAA North league girls volleyball match at Dunkirk High School.

“I honestly think it was because we were so relaxed. We weren’t so tense. … Tonight, we were just able to relax and play,” said Dunkirk coach Kate Stahlman of her team on Wednesday. “I’m just glad the girls were able to actually enjoy the game, instead of getting anxious or worried or nervous.”

Dunkirk (6-4, 5-4) registered six of the first eight points of the match to grab an early lead. While Westfield (0-9, 0-9) was able to cut the score to just an 8-7 Dunkirk lead, the Lady Marauders quickly got back on track. Dunkirk held a 15-10 lead later in the set, then extended the lead to as much as 21-12, before finishing on top 25-17.

Coaches often say that volleyball is a game of momentum, and after winning the first set on Wednesday, Dunkirk proved just how devastating momentum can be for an opposing team in a hole. The Lady Marauders tallied 16 of the first 17 points in the second set, including 14 straight points, en route to an easy victory of the second frame.

From that point on, Dunkirk was all smiles.

While the Lady Marauders may have let nerves get the best of them on the court in a few games earlier this season, Wednesday that was not the case. In the future, things might not come as easily for the Lady Marauders, but Stahlman knows what her team needs to focus on once adversity strikes again.

“There are a few games we lost where maybe we should’ve won, but we didn’t have our head in the game. I’m hoping the next time around, we’ll come back a little stronger,” said Stahlman. “Communication still (is key) … They had a nice groove going, but I still want them to be talking so in future games, when we’re in high-pressure situations, they know everyone’s next move.”

Dunkirk’s Keit Lopez had six aces, while Gina Salerno had three aces. Nadara Odell had four aces and five kills, while Amari Carter had four kills and two aces.

Westfield coach Greg Birner declined to comment following the game because he was tending to an injured player.

Dunkirk is back in action on Monday evening when the Lady Marauders host Forestville. Westfield heads to Silver Creek on Monday.