Eddie O’Neill/Daily Mining Gazette Lake Linden-Hubbell’s Alli Corrigan goes up for a kill against Baraga’s Megan Mayo (8) Thursday at the Lake Linden Gym.

LAKE LINDEN — It took just three sets for the Lake Linden-Hubbell Lakes volleyball team to sink the Baraga Vikings on the court Thursday night. The Lakes won 26-24, 25-21 and 25-16. However, as seen by the scores, all three sets were well fought battles, with plenty of ties and small lead changes through much of the match, particularly in the first two sets.

Baraga coach Corey Pietila gave credit where credit was due.

“We came out really strong in both the first and second sets,” she said. “However, Lake Linden played outstanding. That was seen in the first set as they came back to win it. Overall, I thought this was a good game for us. This is only the second team to beat us (Jeffers, the other), and so, as we win with dignity, we need to have pride in our losses and, in particular, games well-played.”

The Lakes came out sluggish in the first, getting down by six and then eight points early in the set.

“We dug a hole in the first set and realized that we needed to get our act in gear, and we did,” said Lakes coach Joslynn Perala. “Once we did that, we played much more consistent in the second and third sets.”

The Lakes won the first one by just two points.

The second set followed a familiar pattern of tight scores. These two rivals tied at four, five, eight and ten before the Lakes could make a slight two-point break at 15-13. However, the Vikings tied it at 16, and took a lead at 19-18, with senior Makenna Hendrickson on the line. But the Lakes sailed back in to tie it at 19, and again at 20. It was now a race to 25, and the Lakes won it with senior Amy Mahrley on the service line.

“I liked how the girls never gave up,” said Perala.

Senior Abi Codere led the Lakes with 10 kills as she does night in and night out.

“Her attitude on the court is what makes her special,” Perala added. “She is such a team leader as she rallied the girls to persevere.”

By the third set, the Vikings were seemingly worn out. They had fought hard, and even had leads in the first and second sets, but could not maintain the energy in the third.

The Lakes pulled out to a 10-1 lead with junior Alli Corrigan at the line. She led the Lakes in aces with four. While the Vikings were able to mount a slight comeback at 19-15 with senior Mia Coronado on the line, that was as good as it got.

The Lakes sped away to the set and match win.

“As the season winds down, we are just trying to better our offense and lessen our errors,” said Perala.

UP NEXT

The Lakes will head to Hancock on Tuesday for a 6:30 p.m. start. The Vikings meanwhile will travel to Ironwood on the same day and time.