Southridge knocks of McGregor

Photos by : Paula Gellatly

Southridge open’s with Sweep of McGregor

The Southridge Panther volleyball team opened the 2013 volleyball season Monday night with a three game sweep of the McGregor Mercuries in a sectional matchup at South Ridge High School.

The Panthers opened the match with a 25-12 win over McGregor in the first game of the match, the second contest was a lot closer as Southridge and the Mercuries battled back and forth with finally the Panthers coming away with a 26-24 win. The third game of the match it was the Panthers picking up a 25-20 win and the sweep over McGregor.

The Panthers were led by Callie Thomason who finished with 22 set assists on the night, Justice Janke added 12 kills, 7 digs, and had 2 blocks, while Mikayla Olesiak added 6 kills and 13 digs for the Panthers. Krystal Karppinen add 6 kills and 12 digs and it was Olesiak who was also perfect serving on the night.

McGregor was led by Abbey Hawkinson who finished with 17 set assists on the night and it was Gretchen Grams who finished with 8 kills and 10 digs for the Mercuries. Amy Gellar also added 11 kills and 7 digs in the loss.

The Panthers start the season off 1-0 and they are back in action again on Tuesday night when they will travel up to Cook to face the Northwoods Grizzlies. The Mercuries open up 0-1 on the season and they will not be back in action until next week when they will play at Two Harbors next Thursday night.

Dwight Cadwell can be reached at Dwight@northlandsportsonline.com