by Ellen Shuster

On Sept. 8, Grizzlies Volleyball faced the Deer River Warriors. The Grizzlies’ 7th grade team, 8th grade team, and JV team all won in straight sets, playing best 2-of-3. The varsity also won, but dropped one set for a final of 3-1 (25-13, 23-25, 25-10, 25-10). This is the first set lost by the undefeated Grizzlies who now have a season record of 5-0.

The game started with a fantastic string of offensive points for Izzy Pascuzzi supported solidly by her teammates. As the first set continued, crisp plays, dominant hitting, and team rhythm combined for a deadly force that Deer River could not answer. Despite scrappy plays and a never-say-die attitude, the Warriors could not beat the force the Grizzlies were bringing at the net. It was such a dominant set that it became difficult to watch the second as missed serves, missed passes, and missed communication by the Grizzlies allowed the Warriors to keep the score even. Deer River’s offense finally had an opening and took advantage to take the lead. Coach Redmond called a timeout at 21-24 and though it rallied the team it was too late and they went back to the bench to regroup before beginning the third set.

As they resumed play, the Grizzlies played with caution and precision allowing them to gain the buffer in points they needed to bring back the fire they had at the beginning for a decisive set win.

Both teams showed signs of fatigue for the fourth set, but North Woods prevailed and was able to go home still undefeated while Deer River will have to look to their next game to try and get their first win of the season.