New Palestine High School

The New Palestine volleyball team used a strong finish to the first set and never looked back from there Monday in a 25-14, 25-16, 25-12 victory over Connersville in the Dragons' home opener. The Dragons and Spartans traded points early, but with the set tied 7-7, the Dragons ripped off three straight points and gradually pulled away, then started the second set with a 10-2 run to seize control. In the third set, the Dragons trailed 8-6 - the only time in the evening they trailed by a score other than 1-0 - but then rolled off 11 straight points, including 10 on libero Honour Mallory's serve - to put the match away. Mallory served five aces and added nine digs. Reagan Kleiman led a balanced attack with 13 kills. Bella Brownfield added nine kills - including six in the first set - and three digs. Lauren Wilson had eight kills and six digs. Isabella Gizzi added five kills, 31 assists and nine digs. Rachel Burke had four kills and two blocks. Sam Gooding added two aces in the third set to set up match point. The Dragons also won the JV match 25-5, 25-14. The Dragons (2-0) are next in action Thursday at home against Guerin Catholic.