BABBITT- A young Northeast Range volleyball squad is showing signs of growth, picking up their first win of the season on Saturday at the Greenway tournament in Coleraine.
The Nighthawks opened the tourney against North Woods, and came out on top 26-24 in a hotly contested first game. But the Grizzlies righted the ship and won the next two 25-15 and 25-10 to take the match.
The Nighthawks played well against an improved Mesabi East squad, but the Giants had the edge throughout, winning 2-0 with scores of 25-18 and 25-15.
Northeast Range had a break before starting play in the afternoon session against Littlefork-Big Falls, and this one was a back-and-forth battle from the outset. As they did against North Woods, the Nighthawks squeaked out a 26-24 win in the opener, but the Vikings evened the match in the second with a solid 25-17 victory. But this time the Nighthawks turned the match back their way as they claimed a 2-1 win with a 15-10 knockout.
The Nighthawks wrapped up the day with a 25-15, 25-18 loss to Nashwauk-Keewatin.
Northeast Range returned home Monday and pushed McGregor to five sets before falling 22-25, 25-21, 24-26, 25-14, and 13-15.
Miranda Mackai handed out 38 assists and was perfect from the service line on 17 attempts. Peyson Roseth and Kaydence Hancock led the attack with 11 kills each. Hancock served six aces, while Roseth and freshman Breauna Warren each had four.
Head Coach Misty Roseth said the young Nighthawks are continuing to develop as they work a new setter and several younger players into the lineup.
“We are starting our season growing and learning each game with a new group of girls, a new setter and some younger players,” Roseth said. “I have seen so much improvement with the freshman and sophomores each game.”
Roseth said the results do not fully reflect the progress she has seen.
“This team has our ups and downs but the potential is there and the growth is undeniable,” she said.