South Ridge Girls Open Volleyball Season With A Win

Click here for the complete game box score

Aug 27, 2012

Kerry Rodd-NSO

Last year, the newly former South Ridge High School could not play any of its volleyball games in the new high school. Construction on the gymnasium was still being finished and the Panthers played their games at the old AlBrook School. With a young team, and only two returning starters, this year’s version of the Panthers opened on the road with a win over the McGregor Mercuries.

The wait to play in the new gym and show off their new digs will be a much shorter wait for this year’s squad when the open at home on Tuesday against Northwoods.

“We are young this year,” Panthers assistant coach Bridget Paulson commented to Northland Sports Online. “We have one junior, two sophomores and three freshman starters, but they played great.”

The Panthers came away with the 3-1 victory by beating McGregor by scores of 25-19, 25-19, 23-25 and 25-21.

Leading the way for the Panthers was returning Justice Janke who finished with 15 kills, 14 digs, 4 ace serves. Another returning player is Mikayla Olesiak who powered up with 6 kills, 10 digs, 3 ace serves.

The Panthers also got big nights from, Krystal Karppinen: 11 kills, 9 digs, Callie Thomason: 34 set assist, 3 aces and Mallory Thibault: 8 kills.

Kerry Rodd can be reached at kerry@northlandsportsonline.com