Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – McKinleyville’s Hailee Henry (3) finished with a team-high nine kills in Wednesday’s win.

The McKinleyville Panthers continued their impressive start to the season with a third win in three matches on Wednesday night, getting the better of St. Bernard’s at Mack High.

More impressively, the Panthers have won all three matches in straight sets, beating the Crusaders 25-12, 25-10, 25-11.

“We were able to work out a few of the kinks that we always want to work out at the beginning of the season,” said McKinleyville head coach Janis Grondalski, who got all 11 of her players into the game.

The Heenan sisters continue to play a big role for the Panthers.

Senior Rian finished with six kills and three aces, while junior Cameron had six kills, eight service aces and seven digs.

McKinleyville players Rian Heenan (12) and Ashley Alves share a laugh during a break in the action.

Two other seniors, Hailee Henry and Lexi White each also had a big game.

“Hailee was a beast up at the net,” Grondalski said of the senior, who had no errors in her attacks. “And I think we were able to control the pace of the game.”

Henry led the team with nine kills and added three aces, while White finished with 18 assists and seven digs.

“They play smart,” Grondalski said of her players. “All of my hitters are looking to see where the holes are on the other side.”

The coach admits there is still plenty to work on early in the season, as the Panthers get set for a trip to Healdsburg on Saturday where they will see plenty of game time.

The Mack girls are scheduled to play at least four and as many as six games at the one-day tournament.

“We’re pretty excited we get to play against other teams,” Grondalski said. “Just to see what we can do.”

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Ray Hamill writes at humboldtsports.com, where you can read lots more about sports in Humboldt County.