(Theresa Proudfit/Daily News photos) Iron Mountain’s Lulu McCash (12) rises at the net while Calumet’s Lizzie Torola defends in West PAC volleyball action Thursday at Iron Mountain High School.

IRON MOUNTAIN — In West PAC Conference volleyball Thursday night, Iron Mountain hosted Calumet, and the Copper Kings swept the Mountaineers 3-0 (25-16, 25-11, 25-5).

“I expected for Calumet to come in at perform the way they did, it was no surprise,” said veteran Iron Mountain coach Jeanne Newberry. “Calumet has always been a strong hitting team, and our serve receive was totally off tonight.”

Newberry noted that Calumet’s pace of play had the Mountaineers reeling all evening.

“Our defense wasn’t ready for the speed of the game. Hats off to them for continuing to play as strong as always,” she said.

Another challenge for both teams to overcome is the implementation of a requirement to wear face masks while playing, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

(Theresa Proudfit/Daily News photo) Calumet’s Kristi Keranen (9) receives Thursday against Iron Mountain’s McKenna Smith (23) and Georjee Swartout (24).

“Playing in masks, is very hard for the girls to communicate with one another. Volleyball is a game of communication, we’ll have to communicate the best we can and get used to wearing them,” Newberry added.

Iron Mountain, who won the JV match 2-0, is off until Sept. 18 when they travel to Escanaba for non-conference action. Calumet won the freshmen contest 2-0.

Lulu McCash, Annslee Runsat, Bella Rosenthal, Lily Verette, and Alyssa Medini were all 100% in the serving department in the match.

McCash added seven assists. Runsat contributed 12 digs and Lexi Hagen had nine digs of her own.