WADENA, Minn.– The Section 8AA Tournament got underway Wednesday night, including a matchup between the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines (16-11) and the Park Rapids Area Panthers (6-21).

Coming into the match, WDC hosted as the no. 6 seed in 8AA and Park Rapids Area entered in as the no. 11 seed in the section.

The Wolverines defended their home court and came out with an impressive win in three sets by scores of 25-12, 25-9, and 25-21.

A multi-faceted attacked pushed WDC in front. Led by Kennedy Ness with 10 kills and 3 service aces. Payton Gravelle led all attackers in the match with 10 kills. Celia Rinio had 5 kills, while Jada Dykhoff and Tori Mallak recorded 4 kills each. Setter Ashley Pavek led all players on the night with 4 service aces.

Leading scorers for Park Rapids Area were senior Macey Jalbert with 7 kills and senior Maggie Huber with 5 kills and 1 service ace. Fellow senior Allison Michaelson added 3 kills.

Park Rapids Area’s (6-22) volleyball season comes to a close. Congratulations to the Panthers on their 2025 season!

WDC (17-11) advances to the second round. Their next matchup will be against the Roseau Rams Friday night at 7 p.m. in Roseau. Listen to the match on 101.7FM/AM920 KWAD and online at wadenaradio.com/kwad! Pregame coverage will start at 6:45 p.m. with a 7 p.m. first serve.