HILLMAN - Feb. 23, 2006 - AuGres-Sims earned its second victory of the season over their chief rival for North Star League bragging rights on Thursday, wrapping up at least a share of their first-ever North Star League title.

The Wolverines held off a Hillman comeback, taking the match 25-21, 26-24, 17-25, 21-25, 15-11. The Tigers could have forced a tie atop the NSL by winning the match.

"This was one of thee most intense matches we've had this season," said AGS senior Jodi Bilacic. "We kept our intensity level high, and when we didn't play 'our' game you could tell on the scoreboard."

AGS took the first two games but suffered through a lull in the middle games before pulling out the all-or-nothing fifth game.

"Once we got control and attacked the ball with the help of some great serves, we played our game and took home the win. And we couldn't ask for better fans."

The Wolverines served 92 percent as a team in a contest in which giving away points would tipped the balance against them. Charisse Morris was perfect from the service line, going 13-of-13, with Toria Pendred going 6-of-6. Bilacic had three aces on 22-of-24 serving, while Angela Porn (three aces) and Jamie Taylor (two aces) were each 15-of-16, Chelsea Irwin was 16-of-18 and Amanda Nixon went 11of-12.

Other leaders for AGS were Sam Baron with 18 attacks, Bilacic with 32 digs and Taylor with 41 assists.

AGS, which also won its 20th match for the first time in school history, improved to 12-0 in North Star League play (20-4-1 overall). They seek to close out an unbeaten NSL run when they host Atlanta for two matches, both make-ups for snow dates, on Thursday, March 2.