The Delavan Panthers endured a challenging week on the court, dropping two straight matches in hard-fought fashion to Illini Bluffs and Athens. The losses extended Delavan’s skid to nine games, but the team continues to show flashes of promise—especially from its younger players.

On Tuesday, the Panthers battled the Illini Bluffs Tigers in a competitive outing that saw both sets stay within reach. Delavan kept pace early, but ultimately fell 25-21, 25-17. Sophomore libero Willow Gomez turned heads with a standout defensive performance, racking up 11 digs and an assist—her highest dig total of the season.

Thursday’s matchup against the Athens Warriors proved more difficult, as Delavan struggled to gain traction against a team that had already bested them earlier in the season. The Panthers fell 25-15, 25-16, mirroring the scoreline from their September 2024 meeting. Offensively, Addi Fisher and Kara Lowry led the charge with three kills apiece, while Lilly Carlton contributed five assists. Fisher also delivered two aces from the service line.

With their record now at 1-9, the Panthers will look to regroup and reset as they prepare for a familiar face: Greenview. The two teams are set to square off Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., with Delavan hoping to turn the tide and reignite their season.