HAZEL GREEN — The Redbirds played in front of a packed crowd on Pink Out night at Southwestern, where the Wildcats raised a total of $1,350 that went to families in Hazel Green battling cancer.

Members of both squads also had the opportunity to name people they were playing for on Tuesday night.

Darlington (14-7, 4-2 SWAL) entered the court fired up, and it was evident in the team’s play. 

“[The Redbirds] came out ready and found our holes and then found our holes again when we adjusted,” Southwestern head coach Savannah Winters said. “Our passing was off and theirs was on.”

Darlington broke out to a 3-0 lead to open the game, thanks to strong play at the net by Jaidyn Evenstad, Aubrey McCarthy and Lilly Ritchie.

The Wildcats (3-7, 2-3 SWAL) matched the Redbirds’ intensity, going on a 5-0 run to set Darlington back 5-3.

On the next point, McCarthy assisted a Ritchie kill at the net to bring the Redbirds within one point, 5-4.

Southwestern stayed one step ahead of Darlington for the next few points, but a kill by Evenstad and an ace by Maddie Gratz brought the set to a tie at seven.

Evenstad answered a Wildcat score with a block to tie the game again at eight points, and Ritchie hit an ace to give Darlington their first lead in 10 rallies.

Another ace by Ritchie set the tempo for the rest of the set, as the Redbirds went on a 12-8 run to hold a commanding 22-16 lead.

Darlington closed the opening set with three straight points — including two blocks by Ava Hendrickson — as the Redbirds won, 25-16.

Southwestern was more persistent in the second set, keeping a consistent lead throughout until the closing rallies.

The Redbirds faced a 23-22 deficit and, refusing to quit, went on a long rally.

Darlington came out on top, and roared as they earned the point.

An ace from McCarthy on the set point gave the Redbirds the 25-23 victory and two-set lead.

The Wildcats locked down in the third set with a 25-20 win over Darlington.

The Redbirds rebounded in the fourth, never letting Southwestern get close.

Darlington closed their 25-13 set win with Allie Andrews digging a spike.

Andrews’ dig flew to McCarthy who set up Evenstad for a kill.

Evenstad spiked at the right side of the court, and the ball bounced off a Wildcat and out of bounds.

The Redbirds’ 3-1 win over Southwestern is their tenth win over the last 11 games, as Darlington currently sits at third in the SWAL behind Cuba City (14-2, 5-0) and Mineral Point (15-5, 6-0).

“Darlington impressed us with their ability to save any shanked ball they had,” Winters said. “They were a tough team and we are excited to see them again in a couple weeks when we are more prepared.”