WESTFIELD — The Forestville Hornets claimed their first victory of the season with a three set win over the Westfield Wolverines on Wednesday night 25-15, 25-16, 25-12.

“The victory gives us some momentum as we go into the second half of the season,” said Forestville coach Ali Knapp. “We played everybody in the league, so we know what to expect, so I am hoping that we gained confidence after playing a complete game.”

The Hornets got off to a quick start in the first set with effective serving that Westfield struggled to return. Forestville continued to serve well, but as the set progressed, Westfield improved its serve receive to draw many longer rallies. In the end, Forestville ran away with the set 25-15.

Forestville continued its success with quality serving in the second set. Makayla Press and Clare Kingsfield tallied two aces each to bring the Hornets to an 11-3 lead. Westfield was scrappy and claimed the next four points before Forestville got the point back on a kill from Phoebe Kingsfield. The Wolverines struggled down the stretch where the Hornets took advantage to claim the second set.

“We passed much better today and served aggressively,” Knapp stated. “Our girls did not let up and I am pleased that they were not afraid to be aggressive.”

The Hornets continued its momentum in into the third set as they got out to a 21-5 lead, due to effective serving that was perfectly placed on the court.

According to Westfield coach Greg Birner, “Forestville has solid servers and they exploited our weaknesses. As we gain more experience and repetition, we will get better at receiving the serve.”

The Wolverines fought back to claim seven of the next nine points. That run was highlighted by a dig from Felicia Hurd, which led to a kill from Keara Kincaid for the point. The Hornets eventually weathered the storm and claimed the match on a service error by the Wolverines.

Despite the defeat, Westfield has improved drastically as they have a new program that has evolved for the first time in six years. As with any new programs, it takes time to develop, but the Wolverines have worked hard with to get where they are at this point. Four seniors are playing volleyball for the first time and there are two eighth graders along with a freshman on the team.

“I would like to thank the seniors that have stuck their neck out to play volleyball for the first time,” said Westfield coach Greg Birner. “They have opened up many opportunities for younger girls to compete. I am pleased with their effort, as each day is a good step forward, but we take our lumps. This all takes time and I am optimistic about the future.”

The Hornets were led by Press with seven aces and Clare Kingsfield with six aces.

For the Wolverines, Hurd led the team with five digs, while Kincaid added four kills and three digs. Tanleigh Bestine chipped in with two digs and three assists.

“Recently, we switched our offense as we felt a varsity should run a 5-1, Birner stated,” It was a struggle at first, but we have worked together and started to put things together as of late.”

Both teams play Cassadaga Valley next with Westfield traveling to Sinclairville on Friday while Forestville hosts the Cougars on Monday.