DELAVAN — The Delavan Varsity Panthers volleyball team posted a 1-1 record during a busy week, opening with a victory over Peoria Manual before falling in a closely contested Tomahawk Conference matchup against Greenview.
Delavan started the week on a high note Monday, Sept. 14, defeating visiting Peoria Manual 2-0 in non-conference action. The Panthers controlled the match and secured the straight-set victory in front of their home crowd, improving their season record to 4-7.

The win provided a boost of confidence as Delavan prepared for conference play and showcased the team’s ability to capitalize on opportunities against non-league competition.

The Panthers returned to the court the following day to host Greenview in a Tomahawk Conference contest. Although Delavan came up short in a 2-0 loss, the match was far more competitive than the final score indicated.

Greenview claimed the opening set 25-21, but it was the second set that highlighted the determination and resilience of the Panthers. Delavan battled point-for-point with the Bulldogs and extended the set deep into extra points before ultimately falling 28-26.

Senior leadership and balanced production were key factors in keeping the Panthers within striking distance throughout the match. Kara Lowry turned in an outstanding all-around performance, finishing with 18 digs and nine kills. Her efforts on both offense and defense helped Delavan stay competitive against a Greenview team that improved to 7-8 with the victory.

Tenley Burrell also made significant contributions for the Panthers. Burrell recorded five digs and four service aces, providing a spark from the service line and helping Delavan generate momentum during several critical stretches of the match.

While Greenview ultimately emerged victorious, the Panthers forced the Bulldogs to work for every point. The extended second set demonstrated Delavan’s ability to compete with conference opponents and showed growth as the season progresses.

Despite the loss, there were several positives to take away from the week. The Panthers displayed strong defensive play, received quality contributions from multiple players and pushed a conference opponent to the brink in a match that could have easily gone a different direction.

With a win over Manual and a competitive showing against Greenview, Delavan continues to build experience and confidence as the season moves forward. If Lowry, Burrell, and the rest of the Panthers maintain the level of play they showed this week, Delavan will be well-positioned to challenge opponents throughout the remainder of the conference schedule.

The Panthers closed the week with their season record standing at 4-8 and will look to turn hard-fought efforts into victories as the season continues.