Panther Valley’s performance from the service line was “aces” on Thursday.

The Panthers were dominant in the serving department in their matchup with Schuylkill League Division 3 rival Marian, coming through with double-digit aces to defeat the Fillies, 25-14, 25-13, 25-19.

From the onset, Panther Valley was pinpointing its serves, starting with sharp shooter Natalie Vermillion. Vermillion started the first set with two aces and also finished the first with two aces as the Panthers cruised to a 25-14 win.

In total, PV tallied seven aces in the first set.

“My first serve was a good one to start the game, and from that point on you just gain confidence. My teammates are always great at giving me confidence and after that first one, I felt good from back there,” said Vermillion. “We just worked really well as a team tonight, and we played consistent the whole way through, especially with our serving.”

The Panthers’ hustle-first mentality on the defensive end was on full display in this one as they never gave Marian an opportunity to put together any offensive runs.

A spectacular defensive play occurred in the first game with PV leading just 13-11. An errant Panther kill that was short and hard into the net was saved by a diving Riley McArdle, who was just able to slide her hand underneath the ball and in between the hardwood to keep the play alive. Panther Valley would eventually win the point, and that extra-effort play showcased the mentality the Panthers were playing with.

“We know Marian had a tough and talented offense, so we came in here tonight with the mentality that we were going to leave it all out there and do everything in our power to stop them,” said McArdle. “We did a good job of limiting their runs, and we were just really focused on protecting our home floor tonight, and we were able to do that.”

For as good as the Panthers (13-2) were on the defensive end, the Fillies (11-5) struggled on the offensive end, especially in the second set. They committed 14 unforced errors in the set that led to a 25-13 PV win.

“They were really good from the service line tonight, but we were just too tight and too tense and we played that way. We need to play more relaxed. Our errors obviously hurt us as well,” said Marian head coach Maria Serina. “We just need to learn and grow from what happened tonight and get better.”

The Fillies were able to keep the third set closer as they trailed 23-19 late, but the Panthers put the match away with back-to-back points.

500 CLUB … In the first game, McArdle was honored after accumulating the 500th dig of her career. The junior finished the night with 10 kills, 10 digs and two aces.

DIVISION 3 CHAMPS

… Last night’s win clinched the Schuylkill League Division 3 title for the Panthers.

WHERE THEY STAND

… The Panthers are currently the No. 3 seed in the District 11 2A ratings, while the Fillies rank second in District 11 1A.