BLUE EARTH &045; The NRHEG volleyball didn’t just win the 11th Annual Blue Earth Area Invitational.

The Panthers owned it.

NRHEG went 11-1 in games, winning all six of its matches, to take the title in Saturday’s seven-team tournament.

&uot;We had an all-around fantastic day,&uot; said coach Jackie Schultz. &uot;We have so many forces at the net, no team can focus on just one hitter. We impressed a lot of people. Our passers were near perfect and our setting and hitter timing was perfect.&uot;

The Panthers won 2-0 against Martin County West, Southwest Star Concept School, Medford, United South Central and Albert Lea. They split with the host team, 23-25 and 25-9, but won the match by total points.

The highlight, according to Schultz, was against Southwest Star.

&uot;They brought a lot of height to the floor,&uot; said Schultz. &uot;We played spectacular.&uot;

The Panthers’ leaders for the day: Emily Hagen 36 kills, 27 digs, five blocks, 51-for-52 serving, five aces, 34 points; Brandis Hagen 30 kills, 31 digs, 42-for-45 serving, eight aces, 31 points; Kayla Reed 25 kills, 19 digs, eight blocks, 71-for-75 serving, 14 aces, 51 points; Alison Anderson 25 kills, 13 digs, 21 blocks, 34-for-34 serving, 15 points, 52 set assists; Mackensie Tappe 13 kills, nine digs, 16 blocks, 30-for-32 serving, four aces, 15 points; Laura Hager 11 kills, 15 blocks; Melissa Barber 36 digs, 77-percent serve receive.

&uot;Everyone played great,&uot; said Schultz. &uot;Kayla Reed killed 54 percent of the balls she hit, with only six hitting errors. She had a great, great day.&uot;

The Panthers host WEM in a Gopher Conference match tonight.