WINONA LAKE – The Whitko volleyball team opened its season with a three-set win at Lakeland Christian Academy Tuesday night.

Maddie Gawthrop powered the visiting Wildcats to a 25-11, 25-22, 25-21 win.

Gawthrop led Whitko with nine kills in the win.

Delaney Ray had three aces and Tressa Keim 30 digs for the Wildcats. Setter Elaine Warner produced 34 assists for the winners and Emily Day had a block.

Senior Paige Price paced the host Cougars with nine kills. Freshman setter Morgan Phillips led LCA in assists.

Whitko won the junior varsity match 25-22, 25-8.

Whitko will host Churubusco on Aug. 26. LCA plays in the Churubusco Invitational on Saturday.