(Todd Rose/Escanaba Daily Press photo) North Central’s Katie Whitens (4) tips the ball over the net against Rapid River’s Addie Christoff Thursday in Powers.

POWERS — The Rapid River Rockets were put to a test here Thursday night in a high-spirited 3-1 (7-25, 25-17, 25-22, 25-21) volleyball triumph over the North Central Jets.

Lengthy service runs figured prominently in the outcome, with the Rockets getting one at a crucial time in this Skyline Central Conference match.

The Rockets were trailing 11-7 in the finale before getting a sideout on a kill by junior Monica Thibault.

Senior Addie Christoff then served for nine consecutive points as Rapid River surged to a 17-11 lead.

Rapid River led 22-16 following a Jets’ hitting error before North Central got a sideout on a kill by senior Shea LaCoursier.

The Jets climbed within 22-20 on a Rockets’ hitting miscue.

Senior Madi LaChance then provided Rapid River with a kill and a three-point cushion.

A passing error by Rapid River enabled North Central to shave its deficit to 23-21 before the Jets committed a service error.

The Rockets secured the decision moments later on a service ace by sophomore Ava McCarty.

“The North Central fans brought a lot of energy,” said Rockets’ coach Kristy Kerstner. “It was nice to have our fans here, too. They picked our girls up when they really needed it. With Gabby (Moss) out, we had to go with a different rotation. Things got a little crazy both ways.”

A six-point run by senior Ashley Neuens gave the Jets a 6-0 lead in the finale, and they led 10-4 following a Rockets’ passing miscue.

The Rockets drew within 10-7 on an ace by Christoff prior to a service error.

North Central, behind an eight-point run by Neuens, gained a 9-0 advantage in the third and led 12-2 on an ace by senior Katelyn Deming.

North Central still led 21-18 before the Rockets surged ahead to stay at 24-21 on an ace by McCarty.

“We were hoping for an exciting match and had the lead in all four sets,” said Jets’ coach Rick Mick. “Tonight, we took a step forward. Playing with a lead is something we’re not used to, which is something we need to work on. We gave the boys (football players) something to cheer about. I’m glad they’re here to cheer for and support the girls. If we keep our numbers high, it would be over half the battle. Hopefully, some of that will carry over from the lower grades.”

The Jets, behind a five-point run by LaCoursier, built a 12-3 cushion in the opener and sophomore Mady Bemis provided them with an 11-point run for a 24-6 advantage.

North Central scored the first two points in the second, then committed a service error, two hitting miscues and a passing error before a kill by LaCoursier trimmed its deficit to 4-3.

The Jets were within 16-14 prior to committing a hitting miscue.

Rapid River soon began to pull away, taking a 20-14 advantage on an ace by junior Aiyana Semear.

LaChance collected six kills, and Christoff and senior Gracie Stemick had four apiece for the Rockets. Freshman setter Emma Sundling finished with 11 assists.

“Madi probably had her best hitting match,” said Kerstner. “Her stats don’t reflect how well she plays. She busts her tail in the back row.”

LaCoursier had six kills, and Neuens added three for the Jets.

“Our service runs were the difference in the first set,” said Mick. “Our serving was good. We’ll keep working and improving. Eventually, the wins will come.”

The Rockets, who won the JV match in three sets, host Bark River-Harris Thursday.

The Jets travel to Munising Tuesday.