The Pana Panthers continued their impressive start to the 2026 season Tuesday night, turning in another commanding performance with a 25-14, 25-12 sweep of the Riverton Hawks at Pana High School.
Pana entered the match unbeaten and quickly established control. The Panthers limited Riverton to 14 points in the opening set before becoming even more effective in the second, allowing just 12 points to complete the straight-set victory.
The win moved Pana to 17-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play, extending an undefeated run that included a three-set victory over St. Teresa over the weekend.
Pana’s serving was a major factor Tuesday. MacKenzie Banning led the Panthers with 12 service points and one ace, while Adi Blodgett recorded 10 service points and an ace. Bella Bennett added five service points and an ace, while Rowan Lynch also contributed an ace.
At the net, Blodgett helped lead a balanced Pana attack with seven kills. Phoenix Pope added four kills, while Addasyn Casner and Brooke Cox each recorded two. Megan Hudelson and Lynch contributed one kill apiece.
Cox continued to play an important role in directing the Panthers’ offense, finishing with a team-high 14 assists across the two sets. Blodgett added two assists, while Casner and Lynch each recorded one.
Pana also received contributions defensively throughout the lineup. Blodgett, Bennett and Gemma Armstrong each finished with two digs. The Panthers were active at the net as well, with Pope recording a team-high four blocks, while Casner, Cox and Hudelson each added one.
The opening set saw Pana establish the tone with a balanced effort. Riverton worked to stay within reach, but the Panthers continued to create separation before closing out the frame, 25-14.
Pana carried that momentum directly into the second set. The Panthers’ pressure from the service line, combined with their balanced attack and work at the net, made it difficult for the Hawks to build sustained momentum. Pana eventually pulled away for a 25-12 victory, completing the sweep.
The result adds another win to a perfect start for a Pana team that has continued to find success against a variety of opponents. Tuesday’s match was scheduled as a non-conference contest at Pana High School.
With another straight-set victory secured, the Panthers move forward at 17-0, carrying their unbeaten record deeper into the season.
FINAL: Pana def. Riverton, 2-0
Set 1: Pana 25, Riverton 14
Set 2: Pana 25, Riverton 12
