Like any top performer, Eastside Catholic is always aiming to get better.

That’s why after the state’s top-ranked 3A volleyball team defeated cross-town opponents Eastlake in three games on Monday — 25-18, 25-23, 25-11 — there was no large celebration.

“It’s nice to get our momentum going in that direction,” senior outside hitter Brooke Bachesta said. “But don’t get me wrong, we still have a lot of stuff to work on in practice.”

Bachesta, who will play at Georgetown University next fall, had a team-high 15 kills. She added 11 digs.

“What makes (Bachesta) such a great weapon is her counter partner,” head coach Andrew Ness said. “Without Cami (Silverman) being opposite her, we become one-dimensional.”

Silverman balanced the attack perfectly on Monday, putting up 14 kills, 19 digs, and three aces.

While Eastside Catholic dominated statistically, Eastlake battled toe-to-toe — in particular in the first two games.

“I don’t think they were expecting as much of a fight from that team, they were a really scrappy defensive team,” Ness said.

The Wolves jumped out to two-point leads in the first two games, helped largely by the play of senior Alyssa Charlston’s seven kills, and senior Mercedes Bass’ 19 assists and 10 digs.

“It’s just one of those things where we wanted to see how we measured up,” Eastlake coach Gaylene Page said. “We held it together for the first two games. The third game, mentally, we still need to work on that a little bit. We need to have a little bit more focus and confidence.”

The Crusaders seemed to gain momentum with 13 kills and three aces in the final game.

Eastside Catholic had senior setter Kelsey Miller available for the first time this season. She had 26 assists in her first game of the season. “Getting her that chemistry with the hitters was crucial for tonight,” Ness said, noting Miller didn’t previously have enough practices. “She did a great job of placing the ball tonight.”

The Crusaders improved to 2-0 on the year, while the Wolves dropped to 1-1.

Page said the game served largely as a barometer for her team, and she was pleased with the way they played against one of the state’s best.

“It’s nice to be able to see us come together,” she said. “So, I see big potential for us. If that’s the beginning, I see us being very competitive in our league.”