Lori Gronvold Rugby’s ReeAnn Christianson bumps a ball into the air during the Panthers’ 3-0 loss to TGU on Sept. 24.

The Rugby High School volleyball team has hit a slump in its season just before district play is set to start.

The Panthers were defeated 3-1 by Rolette-Wolford on Sept. 19 and were swept 3-0 by TGU on Sept. 24.

Against R-W, the Panthers had a strong start, winning the first game 25-20, but couldn’t keep the momentum.

The Comets swept the next three games by scores of 25-17, 25-8 and 25-19.

Elizabeth Blessum paced the Panthers with eight kills and Lauren Kraft provided four aces.

Lori Gronvold TGU’s Angie Anderson skies for a spike during the Titans’ home win over Rugby on Sept. 24.

The Comets’ offense was much more productive, as Callie Brorby smashed 21 kills and Lexy Wittmayer added 12 more and 14 digs.

Rugby’s Allison Volk led both teams with 22 assists.

The Panthers traveled to TGU and once again had problems getting their offense going, dropping the games 25-18, 25-9 and 25-21.

Blessum again took top honors with five kills and Helen Johnson added five aces, but the TGU offense was much more productive.

TGU’s Mattie Schmitt recorded eight kills and teammate Angie Anderson added seven kills.

McKenna Thompson and McKayla Thompson each recorded five aces for the Titans.