The Ellsworth Jr./ Sr. High School volleyball team played host to the to the Republic County Buffaloes in an NCAA league contest for their home opener Sept. 2, with the Bearcats winning both matches in convincing fashion.

In the first set of the opening match, the two teams matched each other for the first four points of the game before Ellsworth went on a 5-0 run. Republic County, however, pulled back to within two points at 10-8, as the potent Bearcat offense then went full throttle to outscore the Buffs 15-5 and win the set 25-13.

In the second set, Ellsworth again led from wire-to-wire to win 25-18 and win the match 2-0.

After getting a rest while the JV played, the two teams lined up against each other once more for the nightcap.

In the first set of the second match, the game was close in the beginning before it became a game of runs for Ellsworth. With the score tied 4-4, the Bearcats used a 4-0 run to create some distance, which was followed by a 7-0 run and then a 5-0 run to end at 25-13, Ellsworth.

In the second set, the Bearcats gained a 3-2 lead early on, keeping Republic County an arm’s length away until the score reached 12-9 in favor of the Bearcats. From that point on, the Bearcats outscored the Buffaloes 13-5, to win the set 25-14, getting a clean sweep of 2-0.

Leading the Bearcats were senior Lexi Moore with 23 service points and 15 kills, senior, Elyse Haxton with 17 kills and sophomore Kinly Place with 25 assists.

“We came out ready play. Our seniors set the tone, and our younger girls rose to the challenge,” head coach Kristy Rodriguez said. “The level of competition in practice has been high, and that’s translating into strong play at all levels.”

The Bearcats will host their home invitational Saturday, then travel to Sacred Heart Tuesday.