Energy, movement and service. Those three words defined the opening game of the Lady Panther’s match last Tuesday in their home volleyball opener. Alba-Golden fell to Brook Hill of Bullard in straight sets, but the opening game demonstrated those three qualities which promise a solid season from the Lady Panthers. 

One might expect that a team would have some obvious energy in their home opener, but the movement “off the ball” was great to see so early in the season. Also reassuring to witness was a very aggressive service routine. The service game initially set Brook Hill back on their heels.

The first game was tied at 7, tied at 10 and again at 17 before Brook Hill used two blocks and an ace to rally for the final seven points. 

That run at the end of the first game foretold much of games two and three. 

In the second game, it was a 10-point Brook Hill run which decided the outcome, while in the final game, the Lady Panthers simply could not consistently break the Brook Hill service.

Other items of note from the match included well-timed blocking efforts at the net. Although Brook Hill scored handily from their attacking at the net, a number of those scores came from shots which were either partially-blocked by the Lady Panthers or blocked out of bounds. 

Facing a very strong opponent, the Lady Panthers had only three instances of clear miscommunication in the whole match – a sign of solid teamwork. 

Lastly, the Lady Panther service game was a step above where the squad left off last season. Kalli Trimble and Alexis Wilmut recorded multiple aces. 

The next chance to catch the Lady Panthers at home will be Aug. 22 as they host Winona.