Dollar Bay-Tamarack City’s Nora Keranen puts up a serve to the Chassell Panthers on Tuesday in Dollar Bay. (Eddie O’Neill/Daily Mining Gazette)

DOLLAR BAY — The Dollar Bay-Tamarack City Blue Bolts earned their first win on the volleyball court Tuesday as they defeated the Chassell Panthers in three straight sets 25-17, 25-17 and 25-19.

According to their new coach Sarah Audette, this inaugural win was a team effort after a disappointing loss a week ago against Ewen-Trout Creek.

“Our first game (against Ewen) had all the feelings of a first game,” said Audette. “Tonight, however, the girls had a positive attitude and worked better together. We played as a team.”

The Blue Bolts shot out to a 10-7 lead in the first set and maintained a three-point lead at 12-9. Sophomore Kiera Isaacson then stepped up to the service line and put together a five-point service run that equated to a 17-9 lead and an eventual set win

The second set was much the same. This time Isaacson led the Blue Bolts out to a 5-0 run. However, the Panthers were able to get within two at 7-9 with junior Paige Danison at the service line, but they seemed to be stuck there as the Blue Bolts pushed out to a 13-9 lead and never looked back.

“We were moving our feet well and getting to the ball,” noted Audette. “As well, we were able to put together some good service runs in that second set.”

The third set was Chassell’s best. In fact, after a brief Dollar Bay lead, the Panthers tied it at eight, night and 10 before taking a 14-10 lead with sophomore Dusty Lippold on the line.

“Dusty played great tonight,” stated her coach, Kim Aho. “She not only served well but led the team in digs with 13.”

The Panthers’ four-point lead was short lived, however. The Blue Bolts not only tied it at 14 but took a 17-14 advantage in route to a 25-19 win.

“I loved how we were able to adjust and not get down,” Audette added.

Despite, the loss on the scoreboard, many good things occurred on the court according to Aho.

“We are improving every game,” she added. “In particular, I was impressed with the girls digging and passing tonight. This gave us the ability to stay in rallies longer and set up our offense more. We had a lot more kill attempts on Tuesday than in previous matches. As well the girls do not get down but give it their all, and that is good to see.”

UP NEXT

The Blue Bolts travel to Wakefield-Marenisco on Friday to take on the Cardinals. Chassell, meanwhile, will play in the Baraga Invite on Saturday.