Trojans win volleyball season opener with 3-1 triumph over HL-O/F

The Worthington Trojans girls volleyball team overcame a tough first-set loss and went on to top host Heron Lake-Okabena/Fulda 3-1 Thursday night in the season opener for each squad. Game scores were 28-30, 25-16, 25-18, 25-22.

The Trojans had five opportunities to close out the opening set, but the Coyotes proved resilient and wound up pulling it out. WHS led by as many as 11 points in the next set, then led for a majority of the third. The Trojans next had a seven-point lead before the Coyotes rallied to get even, 22-22, in the fourth set, but Worthington ultimately finished things off on a Talia Nasers kill.

Nasers had 12 kills to top WHS, while Kinley Riemersma and Ava Schutz had eight kills apiece. Schutz also had six ace serves and 23 digs. Kamryn Olson had a team-best 41 digs; Mia McNab led in assists with 16. Mara Thier was a perfect 25-for-25 serving, and Macie Mahlberg was 19-of-20.

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In boys soccer Thursday night, host Worthington opened its season by playing to a 1-1 draw with Westonka.

Eiby Ramos scored in the 22^nd minute for the Trojans, who controlled a majority of the action in the first half. WHS kept the pressure on in the opening stages of the second half, but Westonka hung tough as the game became increasingly physical.  The White Hawks eventually tied the score with approximately 18 minutes remaining.

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In area high school volleyball Thursday, it was:

Martin County West 3, Adrian-Ellsworth 0

Sioux Falls Christian 3, Jackson County Central 0

Sleepy Eye St. Mary's 3, Mountain Lake Area-Comfrey 1

Tracy-Milroy-Balaton 3, Red Rock Central 0

Windom 3, Blue Earth 0

Fairmont 3, Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton 1