The combination of Western C conferences 13 and 14 one large 13C conference brings some new foes together on a regular basis this season.

And with the previous Western 13C a league with several topflight teams, things will be more competitive throughout the new conference. 

Alberton, one of the smallest schools enrollment-wise in the new configuration got an in-person look at what that means this past week. 

Tuesday, the Lady Panthers journeyed to former 13C conference member Lincoln for a match with the Lady Lynx. 

The result was a sweep by the home team, but not without a fight from the Lady Panthers. 

Lincoln eked out a 2-1 lead in the early moments of the first set. However, Alberton quickly tied the score at two-each. The score moved back and forth with Lincoln taking a slim 8-7 lead.  They extended that advantage to 11-8, then fought off several Alberton runs to build a 22-17 lead late in the opening set. The Lynx won the first set 25-18 to take a 1-0 match lead. 

The second set also went to Lincoln, which opened a 6-4 lead, then upped that advantage to 20-12, on their way to a 25-12 set two win and a 2-0 match lead. 

But the Lady Panthers kept fighting and in the opening minutes of the third set, they held a 2-1 lead.  However, Lincoln came back and tied the game at 2-2, then slowly pulled away. They held leads of 15-8 and 22-15 before clinching the match with a 25-17 third set win and sweep of the Lady Panthers. 

Things did not get any easier for Alberton two days later when they took to their home court for a match with always tough Charlo. 

The Lady Vikings swept the match 3-0, improving their record so far this year to 2-0. Alberton fell to 0-2. 

The Lady Panthers have just one match this week, a home encounter with Seeley Swan, another of the potent 13C conference originals, this Thursday (Sept 12).