Bluejays senior middle hitter Kaitlyn Kummerfelt, whom Peterson called “a heck of a player,” gave the Panthers fits in the first game.
NRHEG created a fast lead in game two and, after a big Waseca run, held on to win.
“It gave us some momentum to push us into game three,” said Peterson.
The Panthers, seeded second in the south half of Section 2A, advanced to face third-seeded St. Peter Monday night at Mankato East. The winner there plays for the sub-section championship Thursday, Nov. 5 at 6 p.m. at Minnesota State-Mankato. The Section 2A title match is Saturday, Nov. 7 at MSU.
NRHEG individual leaders against Waseca: Maddie Wagner 4 kills, 2 digs, 1 ace serve; Marnie Wagner 9 kills, 18 digs, 1 ace block; Abby Wacholz 8 kills, 7 digs, 3 ace blocks; Anna Lundberg 14 assists, 1 kill, 2 ace serves; Gretchen Ramaker 6 kills, 2 digs, 1 assist, 2 ace blocks; Rachel Collins 15 assists, 3 digs, 1 kill, 2 ace serves; Hailey Schuller 1 kill, 2 digs; Abby Christopherson 4 digs; Sophia Fischer 10 kills, 4 digs, 2 ace serves; Corrie Powell 4 digs.