Panthers improve to 5-1

BABBITT, Minn— The South Ridge Panthers improved their record to 5-1 with a win over the Northeast Range Nighthawks Monday night in Babbitt.

South Ridge won the first two matches 25-9 and 25-10. The Nighthawks would try to come back with a 25-19 win in the third, but the Panthers put the game away 25-16 to win with a score of 3-1.

Justice Janke let the Panthers with 23 kills, 10 digs, and 5 ace serves. Teammate senior setter Mikayla Olesiak ran an efficient offense and ended the night with 39 set assists.  Junior Lindsey Janke added 10 kills, and junior Mallory Thibault ended with 9. Krystal Karppinen was strong defensively and ended the night with 15 digs and 3 ace serves. Sophomore Marriah Janke ended with 4 ace serves.

The Nighthawks were led by Senior Brielle Wills with 13 kills and 13 digs. Junior Chloe Kaufenberg added 5 kills, 4 blocks, and 2 ace serves. Senior Taneesha Dupree would end the game with 6 kills and 10 digs, and senior Victoria Barsness recorded 10 digs and 2 ace serves. Sophomore setter Maree Poppenhagen had 27 set assists.

The Nighthawks rebounded last night with a 3-1 win over Littlefork – Big Falls. Their record is now 5-3 with losses to Carlton, Hill City, and South Ridge. The will play on September 20th in the Chisholm tournament. Their first game is at 10 am against Floodwood.

South Ridge improves their record to 5-1 with their only loss being to the Carlton Bulldogs. They will play at home Thursday night in a Polar League conference match up against the Two Harbors Agates. Game time is 7 pm.  The Panthers will also be at the Chisholm tournament this Saturday.

South Ridge def. Northeast Range 25-19, 25-10, 19-25, 25-16 — NER: Chloe Kaufenberg 2AS, 5K, 4B; Maree Poppenhagen 27SA; Brielle Wills 13K, 13D; Taneesha Dupree 6K, 10D; Victoria Barsness 2AS, 10D. SR: Justice Janke 23K, 10D, 5AS; Mikayla Olesiak 39SA; Lindsey Janke 10K; Krystal Karppinen 15D, 3AS; Mallory Thibault 9K; Marriah Janke 4AS.