Panthers loses grip at Champion

The Maxwell varsity volleyball team had an unpleasant welcome to their 2010 season on Thursday night, losing 20-25, 13-25, 9-25 at Champion Christian in Chico.

As suggested by the scores, the Lady Panthers battled Champion at the onset but faltered as the match progressed.

Kelsey McKinley and Laramie Vargas led Maxwell's net play, but in the later two games, their team passing and serve-receive became inconsistent. Champion's momentum was unchallenged - either by side-outs or time-outs to combat scoring runs - making Maxwell's short bursts inconsequential.

In Game 1, a block by Vargas tied the score at nine after Champion jumped out to a 5-0 lead. Champion re-established its five-point advantage at 15-10, however, and maintained that cushion the rest of the way. McKinley added a block later in the game and Vargas one kill and one ace.

Kendall Vierra landed an ace in the second game and served the Lady Panthers to a 3-0 start; Champion scored the next 11 points.

Vargas served two aces in the game and McKinley dropped two kills and an ace.

The Lady Mustangs clubbed the ball from both the service line and attack positions during the finale. Champion's hardest-hitting game of the night overshadowed a nice block by Alexz Miller, two kills from McKinley and one from Vargas.

Maxwell (0-1) has home games Tuesday and Thursday versus Esparto and Williams, respectively, at 6:30 p.m.

Contact Paul Gadbois at 824-1036.