KINGSFORD — The 2020 volleyball season got off on the right foot for Kingsford Tuesday night, as they defeated non-conference foe North Dickinson 3-1, (18-25, 25-8, 25-14, 25-21 in the Kingsford Middle School gymnasium.

“First match jitters seemed to get the best of us in set No. 1 tonight. We had a hard time controlling our emotions and settling into a rhythm,” said Kingsford head coach Jaclynn Kreider.

“After set No. 1, we regrouped and focused on having fun and enjoying the opportunity to play volleyball together during such a crazy time in history. Being able to ground ourselves in the opportunity seemed to allow us to settle in and play better,” Kreider added.

“In the first game, we came out strong offensively. Kingsford had first game jitters and we got that out of our system last night (Monday),” said North Dickinson coach Taylor Johnson. “They (Kingsford) can move on offense, and fly around the floor. Whatever we sent over the net, they had an answer for.”

“I was proud of the girls for the way they were able to turn the table beginning in set No. 2 and run with the momentum. We ran a different lineup for each set tonight too, which was a bit mentally draining on all of us, me included. However, it allowed different girls to step it up and have the opportunity to get on the floor. Overall it was a fun night of volleyball and a true blessing to be able to play a sport we all love,” Kreider added.

North Dickinson’s Kendra Mayo was 95 % serving on the night, with a serving run of six in a row, that was at a set changing time in the final set Johnson noted.

“Ashton Hord, and Sophie Mattson kept us alive in the back row throughout the match,” Johnson added. The Nordics host Rapid river on Tuesday night. Kingsford opens up Great Northern Conference play at Gladstone on Thursday.

“Playing in an empty gym and following COVID-19 guidelines was a new experience and difficult for all of us to feel like ourselves,” Kreider said. ND won the JV match 2-1 (25-22, 12-25,15-8)

Kingsford Stats:

Set Assists – Katherine Erickson 19, Allie LaVarnway 15

Serve Aces – Grace Roberts 6, Talia Wallis 3, Christy Glodowski 3

Kills – Christy Glodowski 13, Abby Terrian 8, Grace Roberts 5, Wallis 5

Defensive Digs – Emma Andrews 11, LaVarnway 7, Roberts 5

Blocks – Terrian 2, Emma Allen 1, Zoie Geronomi 1