Esky's Erickson Gets First Volleyball Coaching Win

ESCANABA---The Escanaba Eskymos played for the first time on their home court Monday night, and they got off to a slow start against the Manistique Emeralds.

But in a match that saw both teams go on long point runs....and make their share of service and other errors...the Eskymos shook off a first-set loss to post a 3-1 victory inside a hot, humid Escanaba High School Gym.

The scores were 20-25, 25-15, 25-23, and 25-20.

The third set was the key, after the teams split the first two. Escanaba had what looked like a comfortable 19-9 lead, based in part on the serving of Jade Heliin.

But Manistique came back with nine straight points (including a side-out), led by the serving of sophomore Sydney Chartier. All of a sudden, it was 19-18.

Morgan Verbrigghe kill in Esky's 3rd set rally.

Escanaba regrouped, however, taking five of the next six points, with one of them being a hard kill by Morgan Verbrigghe that the Emeralds could not handle.

Manistique did climb back to within 24-23, but the Eskymos managed to get the winner.

The fourth set was never close as the Eskymos jumped to an 8-1 lead, and then led, 14-4, midway through the set.

Manistique closed to within five points twice, but the Eskymos had a big enough lead, and got a couple of points on serves into the net, to win.

After a tough season-opening tournament in Sault Ste. Marie over the weekend, it was good for the Eskymos to get this one on their home court. And the girls don't have much time to celebrate. They will host Iron Mountain Tuesday night at 7:00 (ET).

Click the thumbnails in the ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS box to see pictures and videos from the match.