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The North Branch volleyball team played six opponents in late September, going 2-4 in a five-day span. The Vikings lost 3-0 to Chisago Lakes before sweeping Fridley two nights later. They finished the week by losing three of four at the Duluth East Invitational.

Chisago Lakes 3, NB 0

Tuesday, September 24

The Vikings got off to a slow start and never recovered as the Wildcats beat NB by scores of 25-10, 25-12 and 25-15 at Chisago Lakes.

"This was a tough loss to a big rival. We really couldn't get anything going all night. Chisago outplayed us in every aspect of the game. They have really been performing well, and we didn't rise to the challenge," said North Branch head coach Kari Francis.

North Branch 3, Fridley 0

Thursday, September 27

The Vikings came back strong from the defeat at CL at Fridley. The NB girls controlled the tempo from the beginning of the first game on their way to a 25-14, 25-14, 25-19 NSC Victory.

"We had an intense practice on Wednesday.....to regain our focus," Francis commented. "They responded on Thursday night, and played a very consistent match from the first serve to the last."

Viking Junior middle hitter Lindsay Hilde led the team with 10 kills and five aces. Junior outside hitter Megan Scherer had nine kills and senior right side hitter Ashley Johnson had eight kills.

Duluth East Tournament

Saturday, September 29

Lost to Hill-Murray 9-25, 16-25

Lost to Duluth East

21-25, 26-24, 11-15

Lost to Cambridge-Isanti

11-25, 25-19, 13-15

Beat Buffalo 25-22, 23-25, 15-12

"This weekend was up and down, depending on the match. We would make great plays and then follow them up with a few not-very-good plays," Francis said. "It was as though we were on a roller coaster. We are working a being more consistent throughout the entire match."

Beginning this evening, Thursday, October 11, the Vikings will enjoy a home court advantage for the rest of the regular season and then host the Section 7AAA Tournament. The home stand begins tonight when the Vikings host Irondale. They complete the regular season with games against Mora (Tuesday, October 16) and Hibbing (Wednesday, October 17).

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