NEGAUNEE — Iron Mountain’s volleyball team began the 2020 season playing a dual-conference opponent, the Negaunee Lady Miners. The Mid-Peninsula Conference and West PAC Conference matchup was won Tuesday by Negaunee 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-18, 25-23) at the Lakeview Memorial Gymnasium.

“The girls played great for it being our first match of the season,” said Iron Mountain coach Jeanne Newberry. “Negaunee didn’t let the ball drop, no matter where or how we hit it over the net.”

Newberry noted that the Miners had an extraordinary middle hitter who placed the ball well for her teammates, which had the Mountaineers reeling at times.

For the Mountaineers, serving stood out, Newberry said. Alyssa Medini was 16 of 17 with 7 aces, Lulu McCash, 20 of 20 with 6 aces, Anslee Runsat 8 of 8, and Leah Larsen was 10 of 11 with 4 aces.

McCash added 8 assists and Hannah Proudfit added 5 blocks and 5 kills.

Iron Mountain travels to Ishpeming today for West PAC Conference action before traveling to Norway on Tuesday for a non-conference matchup.

Iron Mountain won the JV contest 2–0 (25-17, 25-14), while Negaunee won the freshmen contest 2-0 (25-23, 25-23).

This season, Iron Mountain’s roster has eight seniors and seven juniors on it, with nine returning letter winners. Newberry notes the roster is a great mix of players that have promise and are up and coming.

“The return into the gym, the girls have been great they have been so respective to what we need of them due to the MSHAA guidelines on health and safety on and off the court,” said Newberry.

“The guidelines are going to change the pace of the game but not the play on the court. We are focusing on being prepared fundamentally with a strong defense and serving. With the emphasis on ”mind set” being prepared on the game changes and challenges,” Newberry added.

Roster:

*Returning letter winner

Seniors: Leah Larsen*, Lexi Hagen*, Andie Ellis*, Lily Verrette*, Alyssa Mendini*, Lulu McCash*, McKenna Smith*, Hannah Proudfit*

Juniors: Georjee Swartout, Anslee Runsat*, Bella Rosenthal, Abby Richer, Mia Vedin, Maddie Supanich, Lexi Partello

JV and Freshmen coach: Lori Cevigney

Manager: Jaden McLain