2 months ago
MISHAWAKA — It would be hard to say with certain whose post-match smile was the biggest Thursday, Aug. 20 between NorthWood volleyball coach Hilary Laidig and her star player Ella Branham.
Both of their faces lit up the Marian High School gym with beaming pride following a key early-season victory.
Laidig watched as her gritty Panthers shook off a slow start to down the host Knights 3-1 in a matchup of area powers and Class 3A heavyweights.
Senior Branham powered down 21 kills to go with 15 digs as NorthWood prevailed 20-25, 27-25, 25-14, 26-24 in steamy conditions on Demetrius Jackson Court.
More: South Bend area high school volleyball teams to watch for in 2026
#down
Both of their faces lit up the Marian High School gym with beaming pride following a key early-season victory.
Laidig watched as her gritty Panthers shook off a slow start to down the host Knights 3-1 in a matchup of area powers and Class 3A heavyweights.
Senior Branham powered down 21 kills to go with 15 digs as NorthWood prevailed 20-25, 27-25, 25-14, 26-24 in steamy conditions on Demetrius Jackson Court.
More: South Bend area high school volleyball teams to watch for in 2026
#down
2 months ago
The NorthWood volleyball team has been on the cusp of playing for a state **** le for the past five seasons.
Will 2026 be the year the Panthers kick in the door?
Head coach Hillary Laidig has led the Panthers to four straight semistate **** le matches, with NorthWood coming up just short each time.
The last four years making semistate runs has been incredible,'' Laidig said. "The girls and people involved in making that possible are truly special. This group has the experience of how special that is and have a desire to train hard to give them a chance.''
The key returnee for this Panther team is senior outside hitter Ella Branham, who led the Panthers in kills last season with 467, while ranking second in both aces and digs.
#laidig #team #title #semistate
Will 2026 be the year the Panthers kick in the door?
Head coach Hillary Laidig has led the Panthers to four straight semistate **** le matches, with NorthWood coming up just short each time.
The last four years making semistate runs has been incredible,'' Laidig said. "The girls and people involved in making that possible are truly special. This group has the experience of how special that is and have a desire to train hard to give them a chance.''
The key returnee for this Panther team is senior outside hitter Ella Branham, who led the Panthers in kills last season with 467, while ranking second in both aces and digs.
#laidig #team #title #semistate
