By Robert Whitmire

The SPASH volleyball team opened its 2017 season playing host to the Panther Invite on Tuesday, finishing with a 3-1 record and dropping the title match to Eau Claire Memorial 22-25, 25-16, 9-15.

The Panthers opened the day with a two set win (25-7, 25-7) over NEW Lutheran, then took two from West Salem 25-21, 25-19 before rounding out pool play with a 25-21, 25-19 win over Berlin.

SPASH travels to the Wisconsin Dells for a two day multi-team invite Friday, Aug. 25 and Saturday, Aug. 26. The Panthers open play Friday at 7:15 PM in the Just A Game fieldhouse then return to the court Saturday at 8 AM.

SPASH opens Wisconsin Valley Conference play Thursday, Aug. 31 when they travel to Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln. First serve is scheduled for 7 PM.

SPASH Stats Leaders:
Match 1 vs. NEW Lutheran
assists – Ally Miklesh(23); service points – Allysa Deates(12); blocks – Rachel Sullivan(8); attacks – Kayla Lass(7).
Match 2 vs. West Salem
assists – Ally Miklesh(59); service points – Kayla Lass(13); attacks – Kayla Lass(25); blocks – Gabby Johnson(5).
Match 3 vs. Berlin
assists – Ally Miklesh(72); service points – Kayla Lass(12); attacks – Kayla Lass(25); blocks – Rachel Sullivan(4).
Match 4 vs. Eau Claire Memorial
assists – Ally Miklesh(68); service points – Ally Miklesh(12); attacks – Kayla Lass(29); blocks – Rachel Sullivan(9).