Panther Valley was “aces” in its matchup with Marian on Thursday night.

The Panthers took full advantage of their service line opportunities, coming through with numerous clutch aces throughout the match to sweep the Fillies 3-0 (25-21, 25-4, 26-24).

Per usual, it was a raucous atmosphere in Panther Valley’s gymnasium - otherwise known as the “black hole.”

But, Marian battled in the first set, fighting to a 21-21 score late in the game.

Two aces from Natalie Vermillion helped the Panthers gain enough of an advantage to take Game One, 25-21.

It wasn’t the best effort early on from PV, but it still was able to grind out the all-important opening “W.”

“That is something we are working on right now, which is trying to keep those inconsistent stretches to a minimum,” said Panther Valley head coach Emilie Baker. “In the first and third sets tonight, we just had some moments where we needed to be more consistent.

“The unforced errors will always get you, but what we have been doing well is not getting down on ourselves or dwelling on mistakes. When the girls were faced with adversity tonight, they were able to overcome it.”

PV took its game to the next level in the second set, coming away with a crushing 25-4 win.

Maddison Maynard and Riley McArdle were tough to handle in Game 2. Maynard tallied two blocks and three kills, while McArdle came through with three kills and three aces.

The Panthers found success hammering the left back corner of the court to get their offense going in the second.

“We have been working on that at practice, and the girls have really taken the time to focus on improving and getting better at seeing the floor,” said Baker. “I think the results of that showed tonight, for sure.”

For Marian, its goal is to be more consistent, and to cut down on the unforced errors, especially when it creates momentum.

There were several times during the match where Fillies’ service errors gave the ball back to PV when Marian had a chance to extend a lead.

“Just too many errors at times - especially in the second set. You can’t give those points up,” said Marian head coach Maria Serina. “But we’re going to continue to work, and continue to try and make gains as the season goes on, so we are playing our best volleyball as we approach the postseason.”

Much like the first set, the third set was a battle that saw PV trailing late 18-14. But a seven-point Panthers’ run would erase the deficit to give them a 21-18 advantage.

Two Maynard kills, and three McArdle aces during that stretch, would help PV swing momentum. The Fillies would not go away quietly, however, battling to a 24-24 tie.

Enter Panther Valley sophomore Morgan Orsulak.

Orsulak stepped to the service line with the match on the line and delivered two aces to seal the sweep.

“My goal was just to get it over and in,” said Orsulak. “That’s all you want in that situation. My team was out there supporting me, and telling me to stay calm and just put it over and in, and that’s all we needed.

“That’s the second time this season against Marian where I came up and it was game point serve and we were able to take the match again. I’m just so happy I was able to help us come away with the win.”

THE RECORDS … PV improves to 15-0, and in the process stays at No. 1 in the District 11 Class 2A power ratings. Marian falls to 13-5, and is ranked second in District 11 1A.

THE STATS … Maynard tallied four kills and five blocks. Vermillion had three aces, eight kills and six digs. Abby Benack came away with 13 assists and 13 digs. Abbey Kluck led the way for Marian with seven kills.