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The Northside volleyball team opened 1A state tournament action with an easy 25-9, 25-7, 25-9 victory against Ocracoke Saturday afternoon at home.

The third seeded Panthers (19-2) made short work of the 30^th seeded Dolphins (5-7) in a match that lasted 45 minutes.

“We are glad to start the state tournament and I’m pleased with the way we focused on playing well, no matter who the opponent is,” coach Michelle Leathers. “Ocracoke played hard and it’s tough for them to be on the ferry a lot. I thought they made us work, so hats off to them.”

The Panthers play conference rival Pamlico County Tuesday in the second round. Northside defeated the Hurricanes twice during the regular season, most recently in last Tuesday’s regular season finale.

“We just have to keep doing what we do,” Leathers said. “It’s about business this time of year because one loss ends your season.