Confidence is a major key to victory.

And Panther Valley’s hot start in the opening set of the Schuylkill League quarterfinals against Millersburg gave the Panthers a serious swagger.

PV easily took the first set 25-10, and cruised to a 25-10, 25-9, 25-14 sweep of the Indians on Monday night at Lehighton High School.

“Today we gelled,” said Panther Valley head coach Nancy Filer. “I’m hoping it’s just the beginning. They really gelled and they’re ready.”

The Panthers more than kept the Indians at arms’ length during a majority of the match. But when there was even a sniff of Millersburg gaining any kind of traction, PV’s Jenna Dubosky stepped up every single time.

During the second set, Dubosky had a sequence where four of her five serves were good for aces. She recorded nine aces, hammered 15 kills, and dished out seven assists during the rout.

“She was on fire,” Filer said of her star. “But in volleyball, it takes a team no matter who’s on fire. With this team, it seems like when one is up; the other one has their back.”

Dubosky ended the first set with two-straight aces, and in set No. 2, the Panthers opened up a quick 10-2 advantage. It was the same story in the third set, as PV took care of business early to take a commanding 11-4 lead.

“We’re here to play, we want it,” Filer said. “They’ve been around the block once, and we didn’t get it. They’re hungry, and I hope they stay focused.”

Panther Valley was just too much for Millersburg, whose body language throughout the match corresponded with the lack of intensity it failed to bring. But it’s easier said than done competing against a team such as the Panthers who have so much firepower.

“We saw them last year at a tournament,” Filer explained. “I feel bad for them, they had to travel. But my girls have their goals set. They want to win the Schuylkill and continue on to districts. They played well today, I’m excited. They started doing some really smart things.”

The Panthers collectively chipped in behind Dubosky on Monday. Sarah Zabroski dished out 27 assists, Emilee Kwaak chipped in 10 digs and five aces, while Erika Dubosky had eight kills and eight digs. The Panthers are deep.

“They all give me something different, and they all help each other with what they’re good at,” Filer said. “I have a server that’s consistent, I have one that’s strong, I have a consistent player all-around, and I have a great presence at the net with both of my middles. My sides help out, and my setters are doing wonderful. I have a bench that’s nice to put in too.”

UP NEXT … The Panthers have a date in the semifinals on Wednesday with Nativity, who topped Blue Mountain on Monday. Pottsville will take on Jim Thorpe in the other semifinal.

LUCKY … Filer had nothing but kudos for the 2018 Panthers. “I am very lucky,” Filer said. “I have six players and another three on the bench that go in and help me out when I need it. I feel like I am the luckiest coach in the world.”

IN CONTROL … PV never trailed in sets two or three. In set two, there was a 1-1 tie until the Panthers clawed enough to pull away.