The Red Slam showed its resilience Thursday night at Mishawaka Marian, overcoming a first-set loss and a late deficit in the second to earn a four-set victory, 20-25, 27-25, 25-14, 26-24. NorthWood was tested early but responded with the grit and intensity needed to change the direction of the match. After dropping the opening set 25-20, the Panthers found themselves trailing late in the second. Rather than allowing the deficit to become a two-set hole, NorthWood fought its way back. The Red Slam extended the set and finished the comeback with a 27-25 victory to even the match at one set apiece. That momentum carried directly into the third set. NorthWood turned up the pressure and delivered its most decisive performance of the night, rolling to a 25-14 victory and taking a 2-1 advantage. The fourth set brought another challenge. With neither team giving much ground, the Red Slam again demonstrated its ability to compete through pressure situations. NorthWood closed out the match with a 26-24 victory, completing the four-set win against the Knights. Ella Branham powered the NorthWood attack with a match-high 21 kills while also contributing 15 digs. Krystal Hershberger added six kills and was a force at the net with seven blocks. Hershberger and Addie Davis anchored NorthWood's defensive presence at the net, combining for 13 blocks, with Davis recording six. In the back row, Nola Nephew led the Panthers with 24 digs, while Branham's 15 helped NorthWood extend rallies and create additional opportunities offensively. NorthWood received balanced production from its setters. Allie Yoder finished with 18 assists and two aces, while Abby Schmucker contributed 17 assists and two aces. More than any individual statistic, the night was defined by NorthWood's response when the match became difficult. The Red Slam faced adversity after the opening set and again late in the second, but increased its intensity, competed through the pressure and found a way to turn the match in its favor. That grit ultimately made the difference. ============================== Match Results NorthWood wins, 3-1 Set 1: 20-25 Set 2: 27-25 Set 3: 25-14 Set 4: 26-24 NorthWood Leaders Kills: Ella Branham 21, Krystal Hershberger 6 Aces: Allie Yoder 2, Abby Schmucker 2 Blocks: Krystal Hershberger 7, Addie Davis 6 Digs: Nola Nephew 24, Ella Branham 15 Assists: Allie Yoder 18, Abby Schmucker 17