SILVER BAY— The Timberwolves finished the regular volleyball season in typical form on Tuesday, easily beating their opponents in straight sets. In this case, it was Silver Bay on the chopping block as Ely finished the season at 23-3, downing the Mariners 25-15, 25-10, and 25-22.

It was the most regular season wins in Ely volleyball history, and the Wolves will now head into the Section 7A playoffs as the second seed in their sub-section, with home court advantage for the opening round. They’re set to face the winner of the match between the seventh and tenth seeds back on their own home court at Ely Memorial High School on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m.

That game is scheduled to be played after the Timberjay’s Oct. 25 edition deadline, but readers can check the Timberjay’s website at www.timberjay.com for timely game reports as area teams enter post-season play.

The Wolves head into the playoffs mostly back at full strength with the return of standout senior Brielle Kallberg, who missed several games recently with an ankle sprain. She’s been back in action the past few games, and back in form, as she led the team with 11 kills and two ace serves on Tuesday at Silver Bay. Senior Erika Mattson added six kills and five digs, while fellow senior Jenna Merhar posted eight kills and three blocks. Senior setter McCartney Kaercher tallied 28 assists and seven digs, while classmate Winter Sainio added four kills and two ace serves.

“The girls played well to wrap up the regular season,” said Ely Head Coach Andrea Thomas.

The Wolves had little trouble on the road against Nashwauk-Keewatin last Thursday, crushing the Spartans 25-9, 25-9, and 25-15.

Junior McKenna Coughlin had a strong night, with nine kills and five digs, while Mattson added nine kills. Merhar posted five kills and as many blocks, while Kallberg posted five kills and three blocks. Kaercher added 28 set assists and seven digs.

While Ely is showing real strength headed into the playoffs, they’ll face serious competition from sub-section top-seed Greenway, and Carlton, the top seed in the south sub-section of Section 7A. Carlton hasn’t lost a set since tournament action on Sept. 20.