Thief River Falls, Minn. - Northland Community & Technical College opened its season with a win Wednesday night, defeating Sisseton Wahpeton College in straight sets. It was the first match of the season for both the Pioneers and Mustangs, who are in their inaugural season as an intercollegiate volleyball program. 

The Pioneers led 21-16 but struggled to close out the first set. Following a 4-0 run by the Mustangs, the Pioneers regained their footing and claimed the final four points of the set to win 25-20 and take a 1-0 lead in the match. 

The Mustangs started fast in set number two and won three of the first four points, before the Pioneers gained control and cruised to a 25-16 win. The Pioneers dominated the third set and clinched the sweep with a 25-18 win. 

Up next for the Pioneers is a weekend trip to Coon Rapids for the MCAC Crossover Tournament. The Pioneers will play four matches in two days, starting with matches against Ridgewater at 3 p.m. and Minnesota West at 4:30 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, the Pioneers are scheduled to play tournament-host Anoka-Ramsey at 9 a.m., before concluding the weekend with a noon matchup against Riverland College. 

The next home action for the Pioneer volleyball team will be Wednesday, Aug. 31 against defending MCAC North and Region 13B champion Central Lakes College. That match gets underway at 6:30 p.m.