Panthers Conference Champs

GRAND MARAIS, Minn—With a 3-0 win over the Cook County Vikings, the South Ridge Panthers secured first place in the Big Polar League Conference tonight. South Ridge School is only three years old, and this is the first year playing in the Polar League Conference.

The Panthers won the first game tonight 25-9. South Ridge was ahead 12-8 the second game and Junior Outside Hitter Krystal Karppinen was injured. Cook County won the second game 25-23.  The Panthers regrouped and won the next two games 25-17 and 25-17.

South Ridge was led offensively by Senior Justice Janke with 12 kills, 13 digs, and 2 ace serves, followed by Mallory Thibault with 10 kills. Senior Setter Mikayla Olesiak ended the night with 27 set assists.

Defensively, the Panthers were led by Junior Lindsey Janke with 15 digs and 3 ace serves, and Sophomore Marriah Janke added 6 digs and served 20 points with 1 ace.

Sophomore RyAnna Anvid filled in for the injured Karppinen in the front row and had 3 kills, and Eight Grader Celia Olesiak played the back row serving 100% with 1 ace.

The Panthers also beat Cherry on Tuesday night 3-0.

With two more wins this week, the Panthers Improve their record to an impressive 17-1.

The Panthers will be back in action again on Tuesday in McGregor. Game time is 7:00 p.m.

South Ridge def. Cherry 25-14, 25-11, 25-20 — SOUTH RIDGE: Justice Janke 12K, 3B, 11D; Mikayla Olesiak 27SA, 5D; Lindsey Janke 8K, 2B; Krystal Karppinen 7K, 4AS. CHERRY: Rayanna Peterson 12D.