The Powell Lady Panthers served an impressive 19 aces as they continued their strong start to the volleyball season, taking a straight-set win at Thermopolis on Tuesday, Aug. 28, to improve to 5-2 for the year.

Powell defeated the Lady Wildcats 25-15, 25-11 and 27-25. It was the Lady Panthers’ second win over Thermopolis this season, including a win in the first weekend of the season at the McDonald’s Invite in Riverton.

“It was great to beat Thermopolis on their home court in three sets,” Powell coach Randi Bonander said. “The girls’ communication was much better and our comfort level of playing next to each other is increasing. We did make a change to our defense coverage on Monday, [Aug. 27], at practice, so at times, that showed.”

Aubrie Stenerson led the way at the service line with seven aces, while Hartly Thorington and Rachel Bonander each had four and the duo of Jasmyne Lensegrav and Gabi Metzler had two apiece.

“Our serving was much more consistent, along with our serve receive passing,” coach Bonander said. “Each girl stood out at different times throughout the match.”

Natalie Ostermiller led the Lady Panthers with seven digs, while Lensegrav added six, Stenerson had five and Ashtyn Heny finished with four. Metzler and Thorington each had three digs, while Becky McConahay added a pair and the duo of Rachel Bonander and Devon Curtis finished with one apiece. Curtis and Stenerson each had a block.

Powell’s junior varsity and freshman teams also won at Thermopolis last Tuesday, making it a clean sweep of the evening.

The Lady Panthers competed at the Border Wars Volleyball Tournament in Cody over the weekend against four teams from Montana — Billings Central, Laurel, Miles City and Sidney — and will compete at the Rawlins Invite Friday and Saturday. Because of an early deadline, results from the Border Wars tournament will be in Thursday’s edition of the Powell Tribune.