Updated at: 11/04/2009 8:09 PM | KSAX.com
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Panthers Beat Rockets for Third Time...This Time Sending Them Home

There are games, then there are playoff games, then there are playoff games against rival teams. And that's exactly what this was when Parkers Prairie played Underwood at the U of M Morris campus November 5th. Before the game I talked with both coaches about how they approach playing a team they know all too well.

"Well We've played them twice already this year so they know us and we know them. We know some tendencies, and right now it's whoever is mentally able to pull it off" said Underwood head coach Diane Ross.

"Underwood is always a good team" Parkers Prairie head coach Tanya Powers said. "Our history hasn't been the greatest with them. We've just been practicing hard it's all about confidence, it's a head game"

Game one was exactly what you would expect from two teams of this calibre. Back and forth spikes were highlighted by huge digs to keep long volleys alive. As usual senior Sari Noga had a great night putting away a slew of spikes in game one. One spike that turned into four consecutive aces to give the Panthers an early 8-3 lead.

The Rockets weren't about to roll over and die however as they put together an offense and made a comeback led by Aann Bjorklund among others. But the Panthers were able to pull away late to win game one 25-22.

The rockets seemed to take offense to game one as they came out of the gate in game two on all cylinders. Again Aann Bjorklund along with other hitters had a stellar offensive effort in game two to lead the Rockets to a big win 25-13.

Game three the momentum swung back like a pendulum to Parkers Prairies side as Sari Noga took control over the reigns along with help from senior Jazmyn Dorn who put away the game winning spike.

Game four was more of the same aside from some controversial calls made by the officials in favor of the Panthers (I'm sure any Rockets fan would love to tell you about that). Sari Noga led the charge again as the Panthers won game four 25-19 to send the Rockets home.

Did I mention Sari Noga? She came out of the contest with six aces and sixteen kills, not a bad night in the office.

The Panthers suit up in Morris again on November 5th where they will play the winner of Brandon-Evansville and Hancock.

Written for the web by: Tony Seeman

aseeman@ksax.com