VOLLEYBALL: Lady Panthers get first win, go 2-3 at SIRR Tournament

Pinckneyville picked up their first varsity volleyball victory of the season at Saturday's Southern Illinois River-to-River Conference Tournament, opening the day with a three-set win over Harrisburg, 11-25, 25-21, 15-6.

The Lady Panthers followed that triumph up with another three-set win, this time defeating Mississippi Division mate Sparta 25-27, 25-16, 15-13. PCHS dropped to second in their pool after another three-set match, falling to eventual tournament champion Massac County 25-18, 24-26, 8-15, which landed Pinckneyville in the Silver Division for the afternoon sessions.

There, PCHS ran out of steam as Anna Jonesboro (18-25, 15-25) then Benton (22-25, 12-25) knocked them off, leaving the Lady Panthers with a 2-3 mark at the tournament, 2-4 overall on the season.

PCHS was led by Kylee Kling's 22 kills at the tournament, followed by Sophie Keith's 18. Mady Epplin led digs with 25, and setter Mayci Doerflein had a team-high 48 assists in the five matches.

Pinckneyville (2-4) heads to Marissa for another tournament beginning Tuesday evening and running through Saturday.