MONTGOMERY &045;&160;Things are starting to click for the NRHEG volleyball team as it played one competitive match after another to finish second at the Montgomery-Lonsdale Tournament.

The Panthers only loss in five matches came to Waconia, which was just outside the top 10 rankings in AAA, as NRHEG advanced to the championship match to face them.

The Panthers would force the action to a deciding third game, but fell 18-25, 25-23, 6-15.

NRHEG advanced to the championship match with an impressive pool play effort.

The day got started with a rematch with J-W-P, and the result was the same with the Panthers winning 25-19, 25-23.

Alison Anderson led the offense with seven kills and scored eight points on perfect 11-of-11 serving.

NRHEG would also pick up a pool play win over Plainview (25-13, 25-20) and split with Waconia (20-25, 25-22).

The semifinal round was a rematch of the Panthers opening match of the season against Montgomery-Lonsdale.

NRHEG was able to reverse the five-game loss it suffered in the first meeting with a 23-25, 25-21, 16-14 victory as the adjusted lineup paid dividends.

Brandis Hagen had 11 kills to lead the way while Anderson had four kills and eight digs.

Gina Quiram and Melissa Barber combined for 15 blocks.

&uot;It was a great win ,&uot; said NRHEG head coach Jackie Schultz.

&uot;After going through numerous lineups due to injury I think the girls have finally found their position and accepted their roles.&uot;

Hagen finished the tournament with a team-high 31 kills, Barber had 35

digs and 24 blocks, Quiram had 25 blocks and Megan Groskrentz had 68 assists.