The Pana Panthers continued their unbeaten start to the 2026 season Wednesday night, taking care of North Mac in straight sets, 25-18, 25-17, on their home court.
Coming off a hard-fought three-set victory over Maroa-Forsyth, Pana returned home and delivered a more controlled performance against North Mac. The victory improved the Panthers to a perfect 11-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play, continuing an impressive opening stretch to the season. Pana had moved to 10-0 with its win over Maroa-Forsyth one night earlier.
The Panthers established the advantage in the opening set and kept North Mac from gaining enough momentum to turn the frame around. Pana eventually created the separation it needed and closed out a 25-18 victory to take a one-set lead.
North Mac continued to battle in the second, but Pana’s balanced attack and strong work from the service line helped the Panthers remain in control. Pana finished the job with a 25-17 win, completing the sweep.
Bella Bennett led the Panthers offensively with nine kills, while also contributing two digs, a block and an ace. Adi Blodgett put together a strong all-around performance with seven kills and seven digs, while Gemma Armstrong added five kills and a dig.
Setter Brooke Cox once again played a major role in keeping the Pana offense moving. Cox distributed 25 assists across the two sets while also recording five service points, a kill and a dig. Her performance came one night after she recorded 26 assists in Pana’s victory over Maroa-Forsyth.
One of the biggest performances of the night came from Rowan Lynch at the service line. Lynch recorded a team-high 14 service points and five aces, helping the Panthers put North Mac under consistent pressure. She also added three digs and an assist.
Phoenix Pope contributed four kills, while MacKenzie Banning added an ace and two digs. Addasyn Casner also recorded a kill as Pana received contributions from throughout its lineup.
The win adds another chapter to what has been a dominant start for the Panthers. Pana has already picked up victories over opponents including Central A&M, Neoga, Mattoon and Maroa-Forsyth during its unbeaten run.
More importantly, Pana continues to find different ways to win. After being pushed to three sets by Maroa-Forsyth Tuesday, the Panthers responded less than 24 hours later with a composed straight-set performance against North Mac.
At 11-0, the Panthers’ perfect season rolls on.
FINAL: Pana def. North Mac, 2-0
Set 1: Pana 25, North Mac 18
Set 2: Pana 25, North Mac 17
