OTHELLO — Ephrata volleyball split the first two sets with Othello but couldn’t hold momentum in a 3-1 road loss Tuesday night.

The Huskies edged the opening set 28-26 before the Tigers roared back with a 25-15 win in the second. Othello answered by taking the next two, 25-21 and 25-19, to close out the match.

Ephrata’s front row produced big defensive numbers, with Addison Vasquez posting eight blocks, Navi Kaur seven and Tessa Hausken six. Alexis Chornuk led the Tiger offense with 15 kills while setter Skyler Wood finished with 19 assists.

Faith Rodriguez anchored the back row, notching 30 digs and adding a team-high four aces from the service line. Sidney Chornuk contributed three aces as well.

The loss dropped Ephrata to an 0-3 season start. The Lady Tigers hope to get in the win column when they host Grandview this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at EHS Marty O'Brien Court.

On Saturday, Ephrata will also host an invitational tournament that's expected to draw over two dozens teams from around the region. Admission is free. The Tigers will begin action with an 8 a.m. match against Oroville.

Ephrata coach Britney MacLeod said the team’s focus this week is on consistency as they head into the home tourney.

“We (will face) a wide mix of skills and exposure to the game at this level,” said McLeod. “Finding a rhythm and just putting the puzzle pieces together is our goal going into this tournament. We’ve had some steady moments, but we need to be able to string them together.”

There will also be an emphasis is on fundamentals and accountability, she added. “I want us to feel some steadiness while continuing to be competitive. We talk a lot about accountability in fundamentals, and now we are having to make sure it gets done each point.”

Ephrata leaders — Alexis Chornuk 15 kills; Skyler Wood 19 assists; Faith Rodriguez 30 digs, 4 aces; Addison Vasquez 8 blocks; Navi Kaur 7 blocks; Tessa Hausken 6 blocks; Sidney Chornuk 3 aces.