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CUSICK — In a four-set season opener, the Cusick High School volleyball team lost 1-3 against Springdale Thursday, Sept. 10 at home.
The Panthers (0-1, 0-1) trailed behind Springdale (2-0, 3-0) for most of the game, dropping the first set 12-25, the third 9-25 and the fourth 10-25. Even so, the Panthers managed to push Springdale into a deuce during the second set, taking it 26-24.
“The team is learning to come together and showcase their talents,” coach BriAnna Balcom says.
Leading Cusick were Denise Whitford-Renaud with 16 assists and three aces; Lexie Seuss with 20 digs and two blocks; and Harlow Butler with seven kills.
Though their season opener ended with a loss, the Panthers did not let that stop them from winning 3-0 against Wellpinit (0-1, 0-1) in an away game Monday, Sept. 14. Wellpinit struggled to keep up with the Panthers throughout their straight-set win, with Cusick taking the first set 25-13, the second 25-19 and the third 25-22.
Leading again were Whitford-Renaud with 24 assists; Seuss with 14 kills and three blocks; and Butler with four aces. Lacey Porter added three blocks.
“I can’t wait to see this success continue to grow throughout the season,” Balcom says.
They next hosted Chesterton Tuesday, Sept. 15 after The Miner’s weekly deadline.
Cusick visits two teams Saturday, Sept. 19: Curlew at noon and Republic at 4 p.m. Next week, they visit Northport at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22.
