White River’s red hot volleyball squad found itself tied for the league lead last week with Bonney Lake and Auburn Mountainview, all with a 4-0 league mark.

The Hornets have earned a reputation for pulling out the close ones this season and did it again Oct. 6 against Lakes, taking five games to trim the Lancers 25-20, 20-25, 18-25, 25-20 and then outplaying Lakes in a tight, sudden death nailbiter 16-14.

White River’s Kelsi Tyler rifled 27 kills and sophomore Jailyn VanSickle registered 35 assists.

Thursday, White River hosted and easily defeated Peninsula, taking the match 25-18, 25-22 and 25-20. Again, Tyler helped the Hornets claim the triumph as she combined with teammate Carley McCutchen for 17 kills.

White River sails into dangerous waters in the next five days as it must match spikes with Bonney Lake and Auburn Mountainview.

After a nonleague tilt at Yelm High School Tuesday night, White River travels Thursday to face a tough Panther crew for Plateau bragging rights. Monday, the Hornets will host Auburn Muntainview, hoping to stay in the hunt for the league crown.