For a team with no seniors, this has been a season of solid improvement and hope for the future.

That was no more apparent for the Alberton Lady Panthers than last week when they split a pair of volleyball matches, beating win-less Two Eagle River 3-0 this past Monday, they battled the Lady Eagles in Alberton and jumped out to a quick and commanding lead with a 25-8 first set win to take a 1-0 match lead.

Two Eagle regrouped in the second set, putting up a better fight, but the Panthers were still too much for them to handle as Alberton held off a Lady Eagles mid-set rally and secured a 2-0 match lead with a 25-19 second set win.

The third set saw Alberton bolt out to a 6-1 lead as they kept Two Eagle River at bay en route to a 25-12 set victory that clinched a 3-0 match sweep. The win was the third of the season for the Panthers.

The next evening Alberton journeyed north to Seeley to take on the Lady Blackhawks, who are fourth in the 13C conference and 8-6 overall on the season.

Seeley opened the match with a comfortable 25-13 win in the first set, giving them a 1-0 match lead. However, the Panthers fought back in the second set and tied the match at one set each with a thrilling 25-23 win. Alberton led most of the way in the second set, but Seeley tied the score at 22-22.

The Panthers held off the Blackhawks and won the set by the required two point margin.

The third and always pivotal third set was also a hard-fought event, with the home team holding off several Panther charges before pulling away for a 25-21 victory and a 2-1 match advantage.

In the fourth set, Alberton overcome an early Seeley lead and held slim leads until the Blackhawks tied the set at 15. Seeley took the lead on the next point and held off several Alberton surges before finally pulling ahead for good at 18-17. The Blackhawks eventually won the fourth set 25-18 to clinch the 3-1 match victory.

Alberton will be in Hot Springs this Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the 14C District tournament.