LAKE MILLS, Iowa — The Lake Mills Bulldogs fought to win each set on Tuesday night in their opening round regional match against Osage.

Osage (18-19) found a way to hang tough with the No. 2 team in the state through the first 13 or 14 points of each set, even leading the first set 14-12. Lake Mills (41-0) turned each set around and powered to a three-set victory 25-16, 25-16, 25-16 over Osage to advance to the next stage of the regional tournament.

“Each set was fairly close mid-way through,” said Jim Boehmer, Lake Mills’ head coach. “Osage started strong and played tough early.

“We were able to pull away from them around point 13 or 14.”

Shelby Kuper led the Bulldogs attack with 11 kills followed by senior Josie Brackey with nine kills.

“Shelby Kuper hit very well tonight,” Boehmer said. “She was efficient and effective in the front row.”

Morgan Fjelstad posted 29 set assists, which led the team during the match. The Bulldogs’ performance reassured Boehmer that his team can play with anyone in the state.

“We are capable of playing with anyone when all 11 players show up ready to let loose and play,” he said.

Boehmer’s squad has only dropped two sets this year and improved to 93-2 in sets with Tuesday night’s sweep.

With the victory the Bulldogs’ will play either St. Ansgar or West Fork in the next round.

See the scoreboard for the complete box score.