GWINN — The Painesdale Jeffers Jets were sky high coming into a Division 3 regional volleyball opener here Tuesday night.

It reflected in the end result as well as they handed the Manistique Emeralds a 3-0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-19) loss.

The victory sends the Jets (14-10) to Newberry where they’ll face Traverse City St. Francis (31-16) in the regional final tonight at 6. The Emeralds finished 18-12-3.

Manistique still had a glimmer of hope when it got within 22-19 on a kill by junior outside hitter Aaliyah Sears in the third set.

The Jets then got a sideout on a kill by senior middle hitter Montanna Heinonen, setting the stage for their first regional victory in six years when they were competing in Division 4.

“The girls were ready to play,” Jeffers coach Rachel Sondgerath said. “They ca

See Full Page