Iowa Falls, Iowa -- The Ellsworth volleyball team posted its initial victory of the 2021 season on Sunday, defeating Southwestern CC, 3-1, in Dittmer Gymnasium.  The two teams split the first two sets -- the Panthers winning, 25-15 and the Spartans, 25-17.  ECC took the crucial third set, 25-14, then finished off the match with a 25-21 decision in set four to complete the satisfying win.

The Panthers had three players with eight or more kills, a season-high 71 digs and 15 service aces on the way to the victory.

Gabi Damiano's nine kills paced the Panthers in that category.  Jade Galligo and Haley Forge each had eight kills.  Vitoria Kazanovski ran the offense and piled up 31 assists.  Four players had double-digit totals for digs, led by Forge with 18.  Damiano chipped in 16 and Kaitlyn Baer and Kazanovski provided 11 kills each.  Kazanovski served a half-dozen aces and Galligo five.

Ellsworth stays at home to host Northeast (Neb.) CC on Tuesday.

Photo credit: Times Citizen.