By Tom Schardin, Staff Writer

The Prior Lake volleyball team earned its first win of the season on Aug. 28 in convincing fashion.

Led by senior Brittni Wangerin and junior Emily Holte, the Lakers earned a 25-18, 25-19, 25-12 sweep of Faribault in a non-conference match.

“We played pretty good,” said Lakers coach Mike Dean. “It’s good to get that first win before the conference season starts. If we pass like we did against Faribault, we should be alright.”

The Lakers (1-2 overall) open the Missota Conference season on Thursday, Sept 4 when they play at Holy Angels at 7 p.m. Prior Lake will compete in the Visitation Invitational on Sept. 5-6, and will return to conference action on Thursday, Sept. 11 at home against Red Wing at 7 p.m.

Making good passes to the setter was a trouble spot in the Lakers’ first two games, which were against two Lake Conference powers. Prior Lake lost to Burnsville, ranked No. 10 at the time, in five games and was swept by No. 1 Chaska.

Dean said his team did a much better job of getting the ball to junior setter Kathryn Gaydos against Faribault, which made it easier for the outside hitters and made the team’s offense less predictable.

Gaydos finished 37 setting assists, to go along with her seven digs.

Wangerin and Holte led the Lakers with 13 kills apiece. Holte also had three blocks, while Wangerin had six digs.

Junior Brittany Thompson had five kills for Prior Lake and two service aces. Junior Ashley Flaschenriem had a team-high three ace serves, while junior Myah Holmquist had two.

Junior Katelyn Behrens led the way in digs department with eight.

“When we control the ball, our offense runs pretty well and we can be tough to stop,” said Dean. “I think the girls saw that in this match. We played good defense and we made good passes. That’s what we need to continue to do.”

Following the Red Wing match, the Lakers will play in the Farmington Invitational on Sept. 13. Prior Lake will play host to Bloomington Kennedy on Sept. 16 at 7 p.m., and then welcome rival Shakopee to town.

The No. 2 Sabers, the defending Class AAA state champions, will take on the Lakers on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.