HAYFIELD —The Hayfield volleyball team shook off a slow start as it found its groove and beat Pine Island by scores of 22-25, 25-15, 25-8, 25-19 in Hayfield Thursday.

The Vikings (7-1 overall, 1-1 HVL) trailed 18-9 in the first game and weren’t able to get any closer than three points. From that point on, however,  Hayfield was able to take care of business and turn the momentum in its favor.

“It was mainly our passing,” said Hayfield junior Carrie Rutledge, who had 12 kills and 14 digs. “We need to get stronger with serve receive and we’re getting there. By the end of the season, we’ll be golden on that. We’re coming together more as a team every day.”

The Vikings jumped out to a 17-9 lead in the second game and they led 18-4 in the third game, but they had to grind out the final contest. Pine Island (4-6 overall, 0-2 HVL) tied things up at 11-11, but Hayfield was able to take over down the stretch behind the hitting of Maggie Streightiff.

Streightiff, who had 24 set assists, took a turn as a hitter as she hammered down three of her 14 kills to close out the final game. Streightiff said she doesn’t mind if she’s in a setting or a hitting role, but Rutledge said the whole team gets into it when Streightiff starts putting down big hits.

“We’re trying to be more aggressive with our swings. It’s all fun,” Streightiff said. “I like whatever I do.”

Hayfield head coach Jeremy Struck said the team has been trying to find a way to get Streightiff more involved in hitting and Thursday’s match was a big step forward.

“We’ve been working so hard to figure that out. A left handed middle is so difficult. We finally figured it out this week and when she gets a hold of it, we’re fun to watch,” Struck said. “We’re starting to find our groove and I think tonight was a nice showing of what we can be.”

Hayfield stats: Maggie Streightiff 14 kills, 24 assists, 3 blocks, 1 ace; Carrie Rutledge, 12 kills, 14 digs, 3 blocks; Kate Kruger, 9 kills, 2 blocks; Katrina Thoe, 4 kills, 2 blocks; Olivia Matti, 4 kills, 13 digs, 1 ace