South Ridge Opens Season with a Win over the Grizzlies

CULVER, Minn—The South Ridge Panthers Volleyball team opened up their season with a 3-0 win over the Northwoods Grizzlies.  All three games were tight (25-18, 25-20, and 27-25) and every point was hard earned.

After losing only one player (All-Conference Setter Callie Thomason) to graduation, the Panthers Senior Mikayla Olesiak stepped into the position and had 25 set assists on the night along with 100% Serving.

The Panthers have a strong core of hitters this year, Junior Outside Hitter Lindsey Janke had an amazing night. Janke led South Ridge offensively with 10 Kills and 10 Digs.

The Panthers also played stellar defense tonight as Senior Justice Janke recorded 16 Digs, 7 Kills, and 2 Ace Serves (100% Serving) and Junior Krystal Karppinen 12 Digs and 5 Kills. (100% Serving).  Junior Mallory Thibault played tough at the net and added 6 Digs, 6 Kills, and 3 blocks.

The Panthers added two Sophomores to the rotation this year: Outside Hitter Marriah Janke ended her first night with 2 Kills, 6 Digs, and 3 Ace Serves; And Libero Lily Price had 6 Digs and 100% Serving.

The Grizzlies have no returning starters this year, but they came to play.  Senior Sam Wardas played very impressive at the net with some key blocks in the third game. Wardas ended the night with 8 Kills and 5 blocks and Junior Brystin Vitense added 6 Kills and 8 Digs. Sophomore Setter Alli Sandberg ended with 14 Set Assists and 100% Serving.

The Grizzlies have a home game tomorrow night against Chisholm, while the South Ridge Panthers will take on the Region 7A favorite Carlton Bulldogs next at South Ridge on Tuesday, September 2nd. Game times are 7 PM.