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Pecatonica volleyball coach Lizzy McGowan was upbeat after a four game set that went to Monticello, even though the schedule is not allowing the Vikings any breathing room at the start.
After facing the Ponies and losing 3-1 the Vikings will swing back into action Monday with Black Hawk. Monticello, Black Hawk along with Argyle should be among the conference best.
Scores against the Ponies were 25-21, 15-25 16-25 and 24-26.
"We had some very good moments," McGowan said. "Monticello is a very good team and we stayed right with them."
It was a tough way to start the second week of volleyball for most teams Tuesday at they had to swing right into conference play.
"We had a week of practice, no scrimmages and no preseason tournaments," McGowan said. "I thought we did pretty well for our first time out. Being able to battle a tough team like that is a good start."
Back row play saw four girls score well in the Viking system. Lily Busser had a 46, Tessa Green 30, Gracie Gordon 15 and Nivaeh Gross 12. Gross is the team's libero.
Busser and Chloe Schraepfer led the kills with five and Lexi Peterson had five blocks.
Schraepfer and Sydney Eaton both had eight assists and Schraepfer was solid in serving. She was 19 for 19 and had a set with four aces in a row.
All in all it was a good start of the season for the Vikings who know that with the pandemic play could be halted at any time.
"It was nice to get there tonight and we will take that," McGowan said.
After Thursday's bye the Vikings will face Black Hawk Monday, host Argyle Tuesday and head to Barneveld next Thursday.