Volleyball fans in Sanders and Mineral counties may want to check their blood pressure and get ready for what, based on early results, looks like a wide open battle for the top.

Superior showed they belong in the talk of league contenders Thursday night when they upended previously unbeaten Noxon 3-2 in what may have been considered a mild upset.

Noxon came into the game at 2-0 on the new season, having dispatched of Hot Springs and Victor so far this season. Superior was looking for its first non-tournament win of the year, having been swept by Drummond in their first game of the year.

And indeed, Noxon showed why they came in at 2-0 when they jumped out to a 25-18 first game win to take a 1-0 lead in the match on the Lady Bobcats home court.

But like the ball that goes back and forth over the net, Superior rallied for a 25-17 game two win to knot the match at 1-1.

Then it was Noxon’s turn again to shine, as senior Emily Brown lead the way with her play at the net for the Lady Red Devils. Noxon took game three in relatively easy fashion, 25-15, in the process crafting a 2-1 match advantage.

But Superior flipped the score in a do-or-die game four, corralling the Noxon offense and squaring the match at two games apiece.

The back-and-forth play continued in the fifth game decider, in which Superior held off the Lady Devils for a 15-12 game win that gave them a 3-2 match victory.

Brown, who has been outstanding in the early going, once again had a massive game statistically, recording five aces, 13 kills, 13 assists and one block to lead the Lady Red Devils.

She got help from Maygan Swanson, who had 13 kills, and Seanna Richter, who racked up 13 assists.

Superior had a balanced attack that featured several players. Brooke Bibler had one ace, one kill seven assists and 1 block; Lanie Crabb contributed one ace, seven kills and 10 digs; Maddie Drey recorded five aces, three kills and four blocks; and Payton Milender added five aces and four kills on what was an outstanding service night for the Lady Bobcats.

Superior is on the road this Tuesday for a match with new varsity opponent Alberton. The two schools were a co-op just two years ago and the towns are 27 miles apart along I-90. Following their match in Alberton, the Lady Cats return home Thursday evening for a match versus Two Eagle River.

Noxon in the meantime hosts Troy tonight (Tuesday) and has another home game Saturday against St. Regis.