CHASSELL — The Chassell Panthers took control in the second set Tuesday evening against the Hancock Bulldogs on the way to a 3-1 high school volleyball victory.

Coach Karli Michaels’ Panthers won the first two sets by scores of 25-13 and 25-21 rallying from a 14-14 deadlock in the second one to gain momentum.

“We played really well in the beginning of the match,” Michaels said. “I thought we got down a little bit after we lost the third set (19-25), before we rallied and won the fourth set.”

Chassell took the fourth and deciding set 25-19.

Michaels said her team was “really excited” to win their season opener.

“After all we’ve been through in the off-season it was really nice to beat a good team like Hancock tonight,” Michaels said.

Chassell senior Madisyn Holombo picked up 17 assists, seven blocks and three aces in leading the Panthers.

Fellow senior Maelene Warren was also steady with 3 aces, seven digs and 16 kills.

Sophomore Trisha Pietila chipped in six kills, four blocks and four assists.

No stats were available for Hancock, but Karri Klein was in the middle of most of the positive things for coach Heather L’Esperance’s Bulldogs.

The season got underway because the U.P. is phase five in COVID-19 restrictions, while six regions downstate are in phase four and, as a result, unable to begin fall sports.

Chassell will host Dollar Bay on Tuesday, Sept. 8.