The Pekin volleyball team turned in a strong all-around performance Thursday night, October 2, as the Panthers swept Lone Tree on the road in straight sets, 25-17, 25-13, 25-16. The victory improved Pekin to 11-13 overall and 2-4 in conference play.
Running the offense in place of regular setter Carlie Gambell, Ezra Parsons stepped up in a big way, tallying 24 assists to guide the Panthers’ attack. Her distribution helped Katelynn Schultz lead the front row with 12 kills, while Paislee Coleman added eight and Taylor Moore chipped in five. Pekin finished with 35 total team kills against 15 errors.
Defensively, Payten Coleman anchored the back row with eight digs, while Gambell contributed five as the Panthers combined for 23 digs overall. At the net, Mya Glick and Reece Brisby each posted two blocks, helping limit Lone Tree’s scoring chances.
The Panthers’ serve was also a difference-maker, with Payten Coleman delivering five aces and Parsons adding four. Both Paislee Coleman and Gambell chipped in one apiece as Pekin served with a strong 93.1 percent efficiency on the night.
With momentum building after the sweep, Pekin now looks ahead to its next matchup on Tuesday, October 7, when the Panthers will host Louisa-Muscatine in a key conference contest.
