Any time a volleyball team earns a sweep, it’s a good feeling.

When it comes against a top program, it’s even better.

Panther Valley did just that Tuesday evening, sweeping Blue Mountain 25-19, 25-15, 25-19 to improve to 3-0 on the young season. Panthers coach Nancy Filer said the team can continue to improve if it stays focused.

“I know they’re young, but anytime your team does what it did (to Blue Mountain) it’s all a positive sign,” said the highly successful coach, who is back for her second stint. “If this team grows the way (the coaches) feel they can, it is all going to be just fine. Then again these are young kids that make (errors) but we like their work (ethic).”

The Panthers have a mix of experienced veterans and several underclassmen. Filer is making sure her team takes things one match at a time.

“Hey, the season is very young, we’re off to a good start, there is plenty of games to play.”

In other words, she isn’t letting her team become overconfident.

Panther Valley controlled the first set, building leads of 11-8 and 19-12 before closing it out. The balanced attack was led by senior outside hitter Jaelynn Browdy, who finished with 13 blocks and 11 assists, serving notice to Schuylkill League opponents.

Senior libero Madeline Schirer added 15 digs and three service points. Sophomore Kathryn Breslin contributed six kills, two assists and five digs, while Jessica Hackash recorded five kills, 14 digs and 14 service points. Junior Danika Blazosky finished with 15 assists and 13 service points.

That added up to plenty of production.

“They did a lot of things that took us out of our game,” Blue Mountain coach Gregg Gergely said. “Yeah, we’re young, but we have to regroup soon. (Panther Valley) put a lot of pressure on us early and that gave them a boost.”

As in Panther Valley momentum.

The Panthers carried that momentum into the second set, jumping out to an 11-6 lead. Browdy delivered an early kill to help extend the advantage to 12-6. She recorded five kills in the set, while sophomore Sophia Paton provided strong serving, including an ace, as Panther Valley gradually took control.

“I can see this getting better and better each game,” Filer said. “We have four games this week, four next week, so we have our work cut out.”

Blue Mountain came out aggressive in the third set. Casie Reed served two aces, and sophomore Haley Banonis contributed strong play at the net as the Eagles grabbed 7-2 and 8-5 leads.

PV responded by outscoring Blue Mountain 14-4 to regain control. Breslin continued her solid play, Schirer anchored the defense at libero, and Hackash also played a key role in the surge.

“Right now our goal is to get better each game and each practice,” said Filer.

That’s the formula for championship-caliber seasons.

MIXED UP ... There was some confusion during the third set when Blue Mountain’s Alexa Marshall should have been replaced after serving. Following an exchange of points, Marshall returned to serve again, though she should not have. However, no correction was made because Panther Valley did not recognize the violation at the time.

EAGLES NESTING ... Blue Mountain is experiencing some growing pains, but the Eagles could emerge as a stronger team later in the season. Reed impressed throughout the match. Banonis finished with four kills and five blocks, Tess Krasnay recorded 19 digs and 33 service points, and Marshall added 13 digs.

Panther Valley 3, Blue Mtn. 0

Blue Mountain 19 15 19

Panther Valley 25 25 25

Statistics: Panther Valley - Jaelynn Browdy 13 kills, 11 assists; Danika Blazosky 15 assists, 13 service points, 2 aces, 2 digs; Kathryn Breslin 6 kills, 5 digs, 2 assists; Madeline Schirer 15 digs; Jessica Hackash 5 kills, 14 digs, 14 service points, 3 aces; Sophia Paton 5 kills, 9 service points, 3 aces.

Records: Blue Mountain (0-1); Panther Valley (3-0).