WAVERLY – Aberdeen Christian made up for a slow start with a strong finish in a non-conference volleyball win over Waverly-South Shore on Tuesday night.

The Knights collected their first win of the season in a 20-25, 25-12, 25-11, 25-11 decision.

“We got off to a slow start against a good Waverly-South Shore team,” said Christian coach Sally Stoebner. “After the first set, our offense started to come together.”

Arianna Johnson powered the victory with 19 kills on the night.

“Ari Johnson took some big swings,” Stoebner said, “and we had really good serving down the stretch.”

Mia Ramirez led the Knights with four aces, while Jolie Fogarty and Peyton Skarin each contributed two.

Fogarty and Ramirez also led the Christian defense with 22 and 18 digs, respectively.

The Knights have their home opener on Thursday when they host Herreid-Selby Area, a team that qualified for the state tourney a year ago.

“It should be a pretty competitive game. We lost in five to them last year, so we’re excited for another chance to play them,” Stoebner said. “We just need to stay composed and play our game.”

Serving: Aberdeen Christian (Mia Ramirez 4 aces, Jolie Fogarty 2 aces, Payton Skarin 2 aces).

Hitting: Aberdeen Christian (Arianna Johnson 19 kills, Fogarty 8 kills, Sophia Glynn 6 kills, Reagan Jett 3 kills).

Setting: Aberdeen Christian (Sawyer Schwan 28 assists).

Digs: Aberdeen Christian (Fogarty 22, Ramirez 18, Skarin 14, Schwan 8, Jacie Fogarty 7).

Blocks: Aberdeen Christian (Johnson 1 solo 3 assists, Schwan 1 assist, Jolie Fogarty 1 assist, Glynn 1 assist).

Records: Aberdeen Christian 1-1.