It’s funny how familiar the name of this column feels as it rolls under my fingertips for the first time this season. We took a summer breather, but fall sports are already underway, and we’re back in action.
Things look a little different this year. New coaches, new athletes, new captains, new standouts, new teams to battle. But some things haven’t changed. Schools along the North Shore still know how to represent, and I’m as excited as ever to cover as much as I can.
VOLLEYBALL
Two Harbors
The Agates opened their season at home on August 27 against International Falls. It was as close as matches come, stretching to five sets before the Broncos claimed the night in a 3-2 finish.
Head Coach Ashley Paulson called it a “hard fought night” after a couple of long weeks. The team capped the stretch with a Glow Night in the home gym, complete with pizza, Girl Scout cookies, sparkling lights, and plenty of neon.
Two Harbors traveled to Silver Bay this week and returned home to face Moose Lake/Willow River. They have a short break before heading to Duluth Marshall on September 12.
Cook County
Cook County picked up early wins at the Mora Early Bird Tournament. The Vikings topped Northome/Kelliher 2-0 on August 28, then beat Floodwood 2-0, staying just two points ahead in each set. They fell to Verndale in the final, 2-1.
They hosted Cherry on August 31, traveled to Barnum on September 1, and returned home to face South Ridge on September 3. Results will appear in a future edition of North Shore Sports Shorts.
Silver Bay
The Mariners also found early success at the Hill City Tournament over the weekend. They opened with a tight back-and-forth match against Ogilvie. The Lions took the first set, but Silver Bay battled back to win the next two.
They advanced to the championship round after a two-set victory over East Central. The final placed them against Hill City Northland. Silver Bay won the first set but dropped the next two to the home team.
After hosting Two Harbors, the Mariners traveled to McGregor. They will face Moose Lake/ Willow River in Moose Lake on September 8.
FOOTBALL
Two Harbors
The Agates spent the weekend in Pillager for a preseason scrimmage, facing Perham and Pillager, with the JV group matched up against Mora.
Head Coach Tom Nelson said, “Thought the boys did some really solid and good things. Definitely a lot we have to correct before our season opener against an always tough North Branch squad next Friday. JV group also got a lot of snaps in today and did a really nice job.”
Two Harbors opens at North Branch and returns home for a September 11 game against Denfeld.
Coaches, teachers, families, athletes, and fans: tell us what’s happening with your favorite teams this season. Send notes and photos to Sarahwritesnsj@yahoo. com.
