Local teams open week strong as end of regular season nears

With about two weeks left in the regular season for local fall sports teams, wins highlighted the early-week schedule for many as teams continue to strengthen their resumes ahead of the seeding meetings on Sunday, Oct. 11. 

Starting on the volleyball court, Northland Pines traveled to face Medford this past Tuesday and left with an impressive 3-0 sweep of the Raiders. The Eagles collected 25-16, 25-19 and 25-15 wins in the three sets and moved to 3-2 in GNC play. Back in Three Lakes, the Bluejays made quick work of the Wildcats from Lena with a 3-0 sweep as well. Three Lakes won by scores of 25-15, 25-6 and 25-13. 

On the pitch, Northland Pines battled with Medford on the road this past Tuesday. The Eagles were tied 1-1 at halftime but pulled away late in the second half on a rain-soaked evening. Three Lakes-Phelps is now coming off its second consecutive tie after tying 2-2 against Amery on Sept. 26 in the second game of a tournament at Northland Pines and again 1-1 against Northland Lutheran at home on Tuesday evening. More in-depth match details and coach reactions from each of these matches can be found in the Oct. 7 News-Review. 

Upcoming games 

Many teams return to the court or the field and are scheduled to play today, Thursday, Oct. 1, and Friday, Oct. 2. The Northland Pines varsity volleyball team will clash with Rhinelander at home tonight at 7 p.m. The Bluejays volleyball team will also be home tonight, with a 7 p.m. start against Florence. 

Northland Pines boys’ soccer is on the road again this Thursday evening, with a set in Merrill at 6 p.m. The Three Lakes-Phelps squad will travel to face Houghton at 5 p.m. Both schools’ cross country teams are also in action with races this evening. Northland Pines will be in Medford, starting at 5 p.m. Three Lakes-Phelps will head to the Rosholt Invite, with running starting at 4 p.m. 

Friday Night Lights are just a day away, with both the Northland Pines and Three Lakes-Phelps teams looking to defend home field. Pines will face Clintonville Friday, Oct. 2, starting at 7 p.m. The Bluejays host their homecoming game against Elcho-White Lake tomorrow night at 7 p.m.