PARK RAPIDS, Minn.– It was a battle between two Section 8AA rivals in volleyball as Wadena-Deer Creek took on Park Rapids Area.

It is just the fourth time these two teams have met since 2020 and their 7th meeting since 2015. WDC came into the match 4-4 while Park Rapids Area

The Wolverines took care of business by winning the first three sets to get to 2-2 in Section 8AA play. The matches went 25-19, 25-10, and 25-21 all in favor of WDC.

Pacing the Wolverines was a balanced offensive attack led by All-State hitter, junior Payton Gravelle with 8 kills and 2 service aces. Senior Kennedy Ness scored 9 kills and 4 service aces and sophomore Celia Rinio recorded 7 kills gave Wadena-Deer Creek a three-pronged attack for the victory.

Park Rapids Area had a good mix of young and veteran players in their lineup, gaining key experience in the match. It was senior Macey Jalbert who led all scorers on the night with 10 kills. Junior Anna Rickbeil got 4 kills, while senior Maggie Huber 3 kills and 3 service aces.

For the Panthers, they will host Breckenridge for their second Heart O’ Lakes Conference game of the season. First serve is at 7 p.m.

Wadena-Deer Creek will look to go 2-0 on the week with a road matchup against the defending 5A champion Sebeka with a 7:15 p.m. first serve.