Cassandra Roehm blocks a Midland hit during Tuesday's contest.
Brent Baker
SSC's Terra Hartley sets one up during Tuesday's season-opener.

STANDISH-STERLING - Aug. 28, 2007 - Tuesday's season-opener was better late than never for Standish-Sterling's volleyball team.

The Panthers, who had a Saturday tournament cancelled on them, looked for awhile to be without an opponent on Tuesday when Gladwin cancelled the non-conference match a few days ago. But SSC found a willing opponent in a club team from Midland Hangtime, which had originally been set to host the tournament Saturday that never came off.

"It was good to finally get out on the floor," said SSC coach Kristi Yenna. "For awhile there it looked like we wouldn't get a game in until next week. But I'm glad we played; for a first game we looked good at times."

The Panthers swept past the Midland team 25-14, 25-16, 25-22.

The opening game was never in doubt as SSC took a 19-8 lead, then finished it off with kills from Olivia Picard and Barbara Filipeck, along with an Anna Stanley ace.

The Panthers pulled away in the second game, scoring 11 of the final 14 points as Filipeck and Ellen Walderzak took control of the front line, then held on to win the third game.

The Panthers return to the court to face a more traditional opponent on Sept. 5, as they travel to Essexville Garber for a tri-meet