Panther Valley dominated from start to finish Tuesday night, putting its power and speed on full display.

The Panthers raced to a 10-1 lead in the opening set and never looked back, sweeping previously unbeaten Schuylkill League foe Pine Grove 25-13, 25-15, 25-15.

One of the defining factors was the play of senior Morgan Orsulak, who delivers kills with hypersonic velocity.

Orsulak, who recently joined the 500-kill club, the 200-ace club and holds the school record for assists, had a stellar performance against the Cardinals. She finished with 26 kills, nine assists, six service points, three aces, three digs and one block.

Head coach Nancy Filer termed Orsulak “amazing,” but emphasized that volleyball “is a team sport no matter what.”

“I think they’re strong right now. I think they’re focused,” Filer said.

Also giving Pine Grove trouble was senior Caroline Breslin, who needs just 11 digs to set a school record. She totaled 15 digs, 11 service points and four aces.

“They’re playing well together,” Filer said. “My benches are full right now, so I’m good.”

Filer also pointed out the contributions of junior JaeLynn Browdy, who had 17 service points. Browdy opened the game with an ace, followed by an Orsulak kill that set the tempo for the night.

Midway through the first set, Pine Grove pulled within six points, 15-9, before the Panthers erupted with a 10-4 run to close it out.

The second set followed a similar script, with Panther Valley jumping ahead 13-4. After Filer rotated in reserves, Pine Grove closed the gap to 14-10, but the Panthers pulled away again for the 10-point win.

Pine Grove showed determination in the final set. At one point, Panther Valley led just 7-6 and then 15-12. But the Panthers finished with a 10-3 run, capped by two Browdy kills in the final three points.

Pine Grove’s first-year coach, Erin Frantz, said she has a young squad with only one returning letterwinner.

“Panther Valley has a good team,” she said. “We’re making improvements each game, but tonight the Panthers were the better team.”

COMING ATTRACTIONS … Filer noted that Pottsville and Blue Mountain are among the toughest teams the Panthers will face this season. Panther Valley visits Blue Mountain on Thursday, then hosts Lourdes Regional next Tuesday and Pottsville on Sept. 16. Pine Grove visits Tamaqua on Thursday.

FAMILIAR FACES AS ASSISTANTS … This marks Filer’s return as head coach after stepping down in 2018 following 19 seasons. Back with her is longtime assistant Lisa Trubilla, who resigned as an assistant swimming coach at Tamaqua to rejoin Filer. Filer’s daughter, Rachelle — a former Panther Valley player — is also helping, along with former Panther Natalie White.

Panther Valley 3, Pine Grove 0

Pine Grove 13 15 15

Panther Vy. 25 25 25

Stat Leaders: Pine Grove - Lily Flynn 8 kills; Kamryn Heming 2 kills; Payton Harris 2 kills, 10 assists, 2 digs; Panther Valley - Morgan Orsulak 26 kills, 9 assists, 3 aces, 3 digs; JaeLynn Browdy 5 kills, 20 assists, 17 service points, 4 ages, 6 digs; Caroline Breslin 11 service points, 4 aces, 15 digs; Danika Blazosky 3 kills, 2 assists, 6 digs; Kathryn Breslin 3 assists, 3 digs.

Records: Pine Grove (2-1; 2-1 SL); Panther Valley (4-0; 3-0 SL).