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RAPID RIVER -- The Rapid River Rockets had the momentum for a short time in their volleyball opener here Tuesday night.
North Dickinson, however, didn't allow that to continue as it handed the Rockets a 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-12) loss.
Rapid River, behind back-to-back five-point service runs by junior Aiyana Semear and senior Gracie Stemick, took a 16-13 lead in the second set.
"Gracie had a real nice service run, and Aiyana did well," said Rockets coach Kristy Kerstner. "I thought (freshman) Emma Sundling did very well for her first varsity match. At times, we ran our offense well."
A kill by junior Micah Lindholm helped get the Nordics back on track, and an ace by senior Isabella Reimer enabled them to regain the lead at 17-16.
Rapid River then got a sideout before a pair of miscues and a kill by senior Vanessa Lindholm sent the Nordics ahead to stay at 20-17.
"Micah came up with a big kill, and the momentum shifted back in our favor," said Nordics coach Taylor Johnson. "No. 4 (Semear) was giving us problems with her serves. Micah is a strong server for us. That's why we have her lead off each set. She has served well all year."
Micah Lindholm opened each of the first two sets with a six-point run, and an ace by Vanessa Lindholm gave the Nordics an 11-2 advantage in the second.
In the third set, the Rockets were within 11-8 following a kill by junior Monica Thibault.
A kill by senior Kassandra Cary and a trio of miscues by the Rockets then enabled the Nordics to gain a 16-8 cushion.
The Nordics still led 17-10 after a hitting error, then got a sideout on a Rockets' defensive miscue.
Cary followed with a six-point run to all but seal the verdict.
"I think we came out with a lot of enthusiasm," said Johnson. "The girls were very chattie on the floor tonight."
North Dickinson also led the entire first set, which ended on a Rockets' hitting miscue.
Cary finished with 13 kills and three blocks, and senior Ashton Hord had 16 assists for the Nordics.
The Nordics, who also won the JV match in three sets, host Carney-Nadeau Thursday.
North Dickinson -- Cary (13 kills, three blocks); M. Lindholm (four kills); Inglese (four kills); A. Hord (16 assists).
Rapid River -- Christoff (three kills, four digs); Moss (two kills, three digs); Stemick (one kill); Thibault (one kill); Sundling (seven assists) Semear (six digs); LaChance (six digs).